9 signs of a strong leader in IT

Now, being an IT leader is far from the same as being 10 or even 5 years ago. For an IT leader, it’s not very good to understand modern technology. About what qualities an IT leader should have in a translation article from Toni Bowers.

While most experts agree that leaders typically only manage the company, there are some specifics when it comes to the IT field.

So, for example, Bob Hughes of the Camden Consulting Group claims that there are important qualities that should be inherent in the IT leader, and they are not always the same as in any other field. Below is a list of them - here are 9 signs of a strong leader in IT:

1. Trust (giving employees the opportunity to take risks, even if this leads to failure)

It is very important that IT leaders create an environment in which employees are encouraged for justified risks. It is often difficult to do. We often hear: “Of course, we reward our employees when they take risks, but everything needs to know the limit.” Why? Perhaps the blame for the consequences of what happens when some risky idea is unsuccessful. If employees are blamed or punished for this, they are unlikely to take risks the next time.

Of course, it is not necessary for employees to take risks, which are most likely to be unsuccessful. Rather, the risks can be justified in a particular area. A leader should help draw boundaries and help workers follow the right direction when things go wrong. This requires maximum vigilance.

2. Leaders are strong and competent interlocutors. The

ability to communicate is one of the fundamental leadership qualities, no matter what area the specialist belongs to - IT or any other. Why? A lot is being done only through relations - this is how initiatives are implemented, results are announced, etc. Remember that communication is a two-way phenomenon, so listening carefully is as important as talking. Successful IT leaders can listen and ask the right questions.

3. Collaboration

Collaboration is sometimes one of those things that IT professionals look down upon. However, many promising ideas and solutions come only if several people work on the problem. That is why cooperation is so important. No one can handle all the problems. A competent IT leader should encourage collaboration when needed.

4. Knowing your weaknesses and strengths An

IT leader should know both about his strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to have your own management style, to know where it works best and, if necessary, to adjust the approach to a particular issue. If you do not know about your weaknesses, then how can you engage in self-improvement?

5. Leaders must solve emerging problems.

Given the technical mindset and the complexity of each specific problem, the desire and ability to solve emerging problems is a key parameter that an IT leader should have.

6. Self-confidence (and in others)

Sometimes leaders do not feel confident enough to control other people. It is very important for the leader to keep employees under control and be able to work with them, as this is the only way to succeed. If the leader fails to “restructure”, he will not only slow down his development, but also the development of the whole organization.

7. Reflection on strategy

One of the key parameters of a leader is the ability to see the big picture and look into the distance, analyzing long-term prospects. The IT leader must devote at least 15% of his working time to development strategies. It is necessary to soberly assess what you are really spending your time on and what you should spend it on. Change your schedule with more focus on strategically important events.

8. Making decisions that are key.

An integral feature of IT leaders is the ability to make important decisions. Leaders need to constantly make timely and right decisions. In addition, they should know not only what to do, but also why - it is important to explain the validity of a decision to their employees and colleagues.

9. Keep abreast of trends and changes in the field

In the modern IT sphere, any changes are constantly happening - therefore, in order to remain “in the subject”, you need to quickly make the right decisions. IT leaders must understand the market situation, and also remember to take care of the security of their company and remember their other responsibilities. Of course, it’s not easy to keep up with everything, but some IT managers still succeed. The key to success is to keep abreast of the main most promising areas in the field of IT .

Perhaps many of the above will seem trite to some of you. However, do not rush to conclusions. Just stop and make sense of each item above, try them on yourself and those with whom you work every day. And draw conclusions only then.

This article was translated by MBA Consult..