I've been an IT manager and CIO for more than 20 years and have been involved in the technology profession for over 30 years. In that time, I've seen many good IT managers and a few excellent ones. I've also seen a fair share of poor managers.
I believe there are 11 traits that must become the core competencies of any IT manager who wants to have a successful IT management career. While some may argue that there are more, or other, skills that are just as important, I believe from my years of experience that these are the most crucial traits managers need today.
No. 1: Ability to assess needs
All IT managers need to know how to assess the needs of their company as it relates to their technology responsibilities. It doesn't matter what level you are; you have to be able to discover what the real needs and issues are so you work on the "right things." Too many managers develop an "IT agenda" because they don't make the effort to discover the objectives and tangible issues of the company. Developing the ability to quickly assess the technology for your area of expertise positions you for more responsibility. Managers who develop initiatives that "miss the target" because they lack strong assessment skills cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars. Assessing technology needs plays a major part in helping your career advance.
No. 2: Ability to create a vision
To lead, you have to identify your target and create a vision for your staff of where you want to be. To lead, you have to take charge and point the team to the desired destination. Managers who can develop and articulate a vision to their staff can accomplish great things because people will follow them. Communicating a vision tells those around you that there is focus and that you are committed to take the organisation to a specific destination.
No. 3: Ability to create the plan
Once they know where they want to be, successful managers know how to develop a plan that will get them there. That means choosing the right priorities for the situation and developing plans that are aggressive but achievable. Planning is an essential ingredient for a "high achiever" manager, but too many managers fail to plan. Instead, they react, accomplishing much less than what the organisation is capable of. Having the ability to develop a plan that addresses company goals and objectives positions you for more responsibility. Planning denotes a sense of being proactive vs reactive.
No. 4: Ability to build the team
Successful managers know the importance of building a team that has depth as well as skill in critical areas. A successful manager must know how to improve an existing team, as well as how to build a new one from scratch. Every good manager I've seen has the ability to build the right team for the issues at hand and can anticipate what will be needed in the future so that the team is prepared for new challenges. Strong career managers are effective career builders of people. They understand the importance of career and use career building as a tool to develop a stronger team capable of operating more independently.
No. 5: Ability to focus the resources
Focusing IT staff, money, and technology resources on key priorities of the company is essential to achieving success. The technology resources must be focused on initiatives that are in sync with company needs and objectives, and they must deliver in a productive, cost-effective manner. Career-minded people at any level understand the need for strong focus.
No. 6: Ability to implement a "client service" mindset
A high level of client service is essential for any IT organisation. Successful managers create a culture that places customer issues first--whether the customers are internal users or external clients. Great IT managers know the reason they have careers is because people need the technology and support services that they provide, which is why successful IT managers build excellent client relationships.
