8 tips for being a good IT leader

A good leader must understand that commanding a team does not mean charging, monitoring or threatening.

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Every professional promotion is deserved by those who receive it and can be viewed with a certain air of “greed” by other colleagues in the company. And when does the promotion make the colleague your leader? What needs to be done on both sides of the coin? How should the new leader and the friends who will be led behave? Delicate and complicated situation for both parties. But nothing that a lot of attention and caution in professional treatment cannot solve. Fundamental for everyone is the first quarter of this relationship, more precisely the first 100 days.

Worldwide, by the end of 2015, according to data from the American consultancy firm Gartner, more than 4.4 million jobs related to the IT sector will be created. The projection is that 25% of companies have a CIO, or IT director. In this scenario, many industry professionals dream of growing their careers and occupying a leadership position.

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Many times the best IT developers are promoted. The reasons are simple, they stand out for their attention to detail, speed of thought and mastery of subjects relating to the territory. This knowledge ensures that professionals receive the much desired promotion as a reward for their efforts. However, such positive characteristics within the team can hinder the development of the industry if attention is not doubled. This is why it is important to know that a good leader must understand that commanding a team does not mean charging, monitoring or threatening.

Research indicates that expert thinkers often leave their teams behind, confusing and demoralizing them. Professional attunement is necessary for success. The first 100 days in a senior IT role are crucial. Relationships change and so do responsibilities. Time becomes increasingly scarce, but attention towards colleagues must be increasingly intense. With the change of role there are more and more people to assist, meetings to attend, decisions to make and study the market. It is necessary to be able to differentiate issues that need immediate attention from those that can be addressed later.

Isaac Sacolick, CIO of McGraw-Hill Constructionoffers some tips for those who have just been promoted. “Almost halfway through the 100 days, I can give some advice to new CIOs. This goes beyond creating the 100-day plan, it’s critical to maintaining focus. This is my practical guide for CIOs, but also for anyone who wants to reach a senior technology leadership position,” he said.

Tips for being a good IT leader

1- Ask questions

That’s the advantage of being new to the position. Asking about the area helps you understand the environment better. Plus, it can help others see things from new perspectives. Occasionally, asking questions will expose a problem, but it’s better now than later. And, sometimes, asking questions will help develop a culture of dialogue and collaboration.

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2- Have priorities

Your time is now scarce and very precious, remember the phrase: “time is money”. Set your own schedule, but be prepared for unexpected events and have the flexibility to change your daily routine.

3- Have contacts

Some call it quick wins, but before that, building relationships helps in your daily professional life.

4- Listen to your team

Before defining its structure, listen to all members. This meeting can bring good learning.

5- Understand economic cycles

When should budgets be made? When do sales cycles increase? It is necessary to understand economic changes quickly. This measure will help you prioritize time to create new initiatives.

6- Focus on the team

The new IT leader must focus on their team and their relationships. It is necessary for him to be the motivator of his team.

7- Speed

The IT leader must move quickly. You have a lot to learn, things to do and building plans to implement. Time never stops.

8- To the leader

Your team, your colleagues and your boss expect leadership. If this doesn’t happen, you will only be seen as a tech person or someone with a broader understanding of the business. You need to participate and lead wisely.

In addition to the suggestions presented above, the new professional needs:

– Know how to communicate clearly

– Listen to the team

– Interact with the group, allowing everyone to learn from everyone

– Recognize team victories

– Have the humility to share your knowledge

– Having coherence, making the group understand what to expect in each situation and, thus, being able to make the best choices

– Have a broad vision. This means caring about what is happening in the market, in the company and in the team itself, in order to develop the best strategies.

– Have the ability to solve problems

– Be open to learning with other leaders

– Don’t be afraid to ask for professional support when needed

– Be flexible, without fear of change

– Be proactive

Sources:

http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Essential-tips-for-your-first-100-days-as-an-IT-leader

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/top-10-guidance-tips-for-new-cios-and-it-leaders/

http://stefanini.com/br/2014/07/ti-o-que-e-preciso-para-ser-um-lider/