Turning IT Professionals Into Great Department Leaders
Posted September 14th, 2010
IT workers have a “reputation” of being the kind of people who thrive in dark rooms staring at a computer screens all day. They are purported to have poor people skills (after all, that’s why they went into IT, isn’t it?….)
But like any generalization, this one is flawed. There probably are several IT professionals working at your company now who would make great department leaders and managers.
Here’s how to spot them and how to groom them for leadership positions:
Look around your IT department or division and see which employees display the following characteristics:
- They display an interest in and are enthusiastic about your company and its business.
- They demonstrate the willingness to go the extra mile.
- They offer ideas for improving service, a product or ways to get work done more quickly.
- They show their willingness to help or guide others toward a desired outcome.
- They ask thought-provoking questions.
- When problems arise, they don’t just tell you about the problem, they tell you and offer possible solutions.
Once you’ve identified some IT professionals in your department, you’re going to have to develop and nurture these skills. Offer to send them to classes or seminars that will broaden their knowledge of industry in general how the IT department fits in with your business in particular. Allow them to take on assignments that have them leading a work group or otherwise helping a group of IT workers bring a project to completion.
Make sure you provide training to your potential leaders in how to mentor and coach others, give performance feedback as well as how to motivate and inspire others. Leadership requires people skills that don’t come from being alone “in front of the computer all day.” Help your potential IT department leaders learn and hone these critical skills.
Let Bayside Solutions help you find your next IT leaders. We “know the good guys” among the Bay Area’s IT professionals and can bring some of the best in the business to work at your company. Contact us today.
