Tips for Becoming a Great IT Manager

There is something that separates the okay managers from the great ones. Often, it involves having the right soft skills, ensuring you have the ability to lead instead of just instruct.

Luckily, many of these capabilities can be learned if you dedicate yourself to improving. If you want to become a great IT manager, here are the skills you need to embrace in order to thrive in a leadership role.

Business Acumen

In years past, IT managers simply needed technical expertise to excel in their field. However, that is not the case today. Instead, business acumen is increasingly critical, especially as technology becomes more intertwined in operations across the company.

An understanding of how the organization operates and earns revenue, as well as how users interact with systems, is required if you are going to deliver the best outcomes. Plus, the ability to align recommendations with company objectives is essential, especially for justifying an investment in a particular IT area.

Coaching Capabilities

If you want your team to thrive, merely giving them instructions is not enough. Instead, you need to be able to share your insights and guide their growth, serving as an effective coach for their professional journey.

This is especially true as more top performers put an increasing amount of value on development opportunities. A manager who is able to also act as a mentor is a common desire, so upping your coaching capabilities does not just benefit their skill set; it can boost retention too.

Effective Delegation

Delegation can be a powerful tool. Not only does it ensure you have time for tasks that genuinely require your attention, but it also allows your employees to develop along the way. Plus, by delegating tasks to your employees, you are demonstrating your trust in the capabilities, which can improve morale. Along the way, you may even spot future leaders, giving you a chance to mold them into the managers of tomorrow.

Ultimately, you can’t carry the full load on your shoulders without affecting outcomes. Embrace delegation and learn to rely on your team, ensuring they have an opportunity to showcase their talents and you have time for your core duties.

Lead a Multigenerational Workforce

Today, there are more generations represented in the workforce than at any point in history before. While diversity can be a boon for innovation, it also creates challenges. Navigating the needs and preferences of your team requires adaptability, as a one-size-fits-all approach is not going to be effective.

Similarly, understanding what each generation brings to the table can help you achieve better results. Learning who to turn to in specific circumstances ensures you can make the most of their varied upbringings and experiences, allowing you to find solutions you may have otherwise missed.

If you have all the skills above, you are well positioned to become a great IT leader. If you would like to know more about excelling in a management role, the team at The Squires Group can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff today and see how our leadership expertise can benefit you.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *