More characteristics
No. 7: Ability to manage projects
The cornerstone of any IT manager's job is that the organisation can deliver project initiatives in a predictable and cost-effective manner. Effective project management discipline must be a key part of any manager who expects to succeed. Regardless of your career direction, strong project management skills will enhance your opportunities.
No. 8: Ability to implement change management processes
Technology, by its nature, demands rapid change. Every IT manager needs to be able to understand how to effectively implement change, whether it's swapping out a PC, upgrading an entire network, or developing and installing new software. Failure to manage change effectively will cripple any manager.
No. 9: Ability to lead and motivate
IT organisations don't get a lot done unless they are motivated. IT managers who can create significant momentum by virtue of strong leadership and motivation techniques always achieve more than those who can't. Getting things done through others is a key skill required for management success.
No. 10: Ability to communicate effectively
Successful managers can communicate on many different levels with all types of people. More than ever, career success is highly dependent upon effective communication skills. Getting your message across to technical staff as well as nontechnical clients, being able to manage expectations effectively, and -netting out" issues and project status with senior managers are necessary skills that prevent many managers from achieving high levels of success. IT managers who achieve the greatest career success are those who can communicate effectively with all levels of people: employees, peers, internal and external clients, vendors, and senior management.
No. 11: Ability to track and measure performance
It's important to set objectives and be able to measure your progress. Successful managers establish specific measurements that tell them and others how well the organisation is doing and provide feedback that helps managers -zero in" on issues that will improve the organisation's performance.
In conclusion
The best managers, and the ones with successful careers, have each of the above-mentioned skills, and their competence transcends the technical organisations and companies that they work for.
Granted, there are other skill and career traits that promote advancement and success, such as working proactively, having strong follow-up skills, and being able to negotiate with vendors successfully. But when you dig down into the core competencies of a successful IT management career, these 11 tend to stand out.
Forging a successful IT management career is one of the most challenging feats in any company, because the role is constantly changing and being heavily scrutinized by all. Developing each of these 11 traits as a core competency within your personal makeup will help you achieve much higher success levels and will position you for greater career responsibility.
Mike Sisco is the CEO of MDE Enterprises, an IT manager training and consulting company. Additional insight on the 11 key traits for IT management success is available in his book, -IT Management-101: Fundamentals to Achieve More." For a limited time, you may download the e-book for free from his Web site. A paperback version is also available for purchase from Amazon.com.
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