The unbeaten IT manager

THOUGH many participants take the race of running IT companies, only a few emerge as winners. Some common characteristics make these winners stand out. Certain managers would, possibly, have more of these characteristics. Nevertheless, a number of universal characteristics are basic for them to come forth as champions. Following which, a manager could map his/her road to success.

The most common universally found characteristics can be narrowed down to: -

Estimating requirements

All IT managers need the knack to estimate the company's requirements associated to their tasks. Finding out the genuine requirements and concerns help in dealing with issues efficiently. Dwelling on improper issues creates fiscal problems.

Building a vision

To be ahead of everybody you have to recognise your objective and build a vision for your team. This helps the team members reach the goal you have set for them. Besides, it makes the team to stay focused.

Generating the plan

Now, to get to where you want to be, draw a plan. Planning shows your thoughtfulness and desire to achieve the goal in a systematic, calculated way. It facilitates teamwork without giving rise to a knee-jerk reaction from any member.

Putting together the team

A project can never be executed without a team; not just any team but one that has intensity, strength, power and vigour apart from the required expertise and proficiency. A good IT manager not only builds a team from scratch but also improvises on the existing one.

Spotlighting the assets

Detecting the required project- related assets and developing them helps the team to work better. It results in better execution of the project. Furthermore, it is particularly cost productive.

Executing a "client service" way of thinking

Recognising the value of a customer is one of the essential factors for an IT manager. Customer related issues are primary and should be placed and dealt with before anything else. The sooner the manager realises this the better it is for the company and the project.

Running projects

The basis of an IT manager's work is to deliver the project in an expected and cost efficient way. Sturdy project management skills boost the manager's opportunities regardless of his/her line of business.

Putting into operation change management procedure. A project requires changes at all points of time. These changes could be simple or complex. An IT manager needs to be capable of executing changes successfully.

Being a good leader

Delegating tasks and getting a good end product is an essential ability of a manger. The knack of leading a team and inspiring it to work on the project takes the manger places.

Communicating efficiently

Successful IT managers have the flair to communicate with all sorts of people at different levels. Strong communication skills are critical for success and help prevent a project from getting into trouble. On the other hand, improper communication could cause much inconvenience.

Following and weighing up performance

Apart from making plans and implementing them, it is also important to keep track of the work that is being done. Following up and weighing the performance of team members help the manger know if the project is on track.

All successful managers possess the distinct characteristics -mentioned above. The propensity of these managers rises above the company or institution that they work for; making them advantageously conspicuous in the crowd of the IT managers