Transforming a technical expert into an IT manager

It is one thing to be an expert on a specific field, even to have an extensive range of knowledge about up to date technologies, but that doesn’t make of a person a good IT manager. The transition can be very painful and costly, in more than one way. Photo by DeaPeaJay.

Management training courses such as those offered by MDE Enterprises has seen this need and offers excellent training and materials on the most fundamental skills required of an IT manager. These skills include:

IT management
Project management
People management
Professional development and
Leadership

Although it is highly recommendable for technical people who aim for that promotion, or just received it, to go through such training, the transformation of an individual into an effective manager is more of a process than a set of techniques. It requires a different way of thinking altogether.

It is sad to see how promising, hard working technical experts are often overlooked when an IT management position opens up, because they simply are considered by senior management not to have what it takes to be a manager.

Some practical advice if you find yourself in that position, hoping to climb the ladder in the organization but are being turned down every time:

Do not say yes and amen to every task that is handed to you. Try to understand what the overall objective is and put yourself in the shoes of the manager. Negotiate a win-win situation with your manager where you think he/she is unrealistic in their expectations.
Don’t just say yes and carry a grudge in your heart while doing something you have concerns about. Speak up, and let people hear your side. Respectfully of cause. The person working on a task understands the complexities often much better than the manager handing out the task, and your contributions could prove valuable.
Have respect for yourself and your own time. It is necessary in order to help other people to have that respect for you. Employees often don’t do that for fear that they will be put down, but fear and insecurities shows. You need to overcome them before people will take you serious, and you need to do that one step at a time.
When you voice your opinion on a matter, don’t do it soft and hesitant. Force yourself at that moment to speak extra loud and project a body language of confidence. If they see you believe in your idea, they may also.
Don’t take it personal if people don’t accept your input. Your input is not you, it was just a thought that you shared. It may very well be their loss for not listening to you, but don’t blame them. Allow yourself to grow and allow them also to grow.
Don’t base your decisions and choices in life on fear. Dare to believe, and it will show in how you project yourself.
Think of ways to add additional value to the organization, as if you were a consultant. Don’t just do what is expected; look at the bigger picture of how maximum return on investment could be obtained and offer something more. That doesn’t mean that you have to work harder. Sometimes one just needs to work smarter. Ironically it is often the person that allows himself enough time to relax also, that comes up with that extra creative solution.

By Yolande Kleynhans
(yolandek ‘at’ mtn.blackberry.com)

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