CIOs: Staff management techniques: Insight

To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu

--------------------------------------------------------------
This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
--------------------------------------------------------------

CIOs: Staff management techniques

By Vivienne Fisher, ZDNet Australia
May 20, 2003
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/insight/soa/CIOs-Staff-management-techniques/0,139023731,120274664,00.htm

Team members may have personal problems, annoying habits or struggle with tasks. How should IT managers approach these issues?

Respondents to last week's IT Manager channel poll about rogue staff had a variety of opinions on the topic, but many suggested that CIOs and IT managers should approach it on a case-by-case basis.

-I think the best thing to do with that kind of attitude is to find out what bothers that individual," responded one IT professional. -One can always apply the Management by Objective [framework] where the goal is set for each member of the team, and involves participation of the individual, coaching [and] providing feedback."

Kimberly Weisgarber, senior IT manager at telecommunications company MCI, agreed that managers need to deal with the situation. -It will not improve on its own, and will probably get worse," she said. -Not dealing with the problem affects the morale and productivity of other team members."

Weisgarber suggested starting with informal discussions, and moving to formal disciplinary notice if the situation doesn't improve quickly.

Similar to executives in other departments, CIOs and IT managers are finding that HR and staff management takes up a growing amount of their time.

This includes management areas such as:

Issues surrounding attendance, for example tardiness, have been found to be problems that are generally better handled promptly, rather than letting it escalate.
Preventing problems from occurring is another tip that reports highlight. This includes regular evaluation of an employee's performance, as well as goal setting.
Ensuring that you get honest feedback about team dynamics can be challenging. However, putting processes in place to achieve this can give a better picture of how department heads view your tech team.
Treading the fine line between keeping track of your team and micromanaging can be a tough call. How do you know that you've got the balance right?
Trying to motivate, and keep staff motivated, can be key to a productive team. Although it's not always easy to instill this enthusiasm, it is an important part of being an IT leader.

ZDNet Australia's IT Manager channel welcomes your comments and opinions about managing IT staff. Talkback below or e-mail your tips to edit@zdnet.com.au.