Secrets to Managing Techies
- Topics:
- Business Ethics
- Source:
- IDG (International Data Group)
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Overview: If one wants to be a better leader of the IT staff, then it is best not to rely on that staple of leadership books. IT employees do not respond well to a leadership style based on power and control. That is because IT work—programming, systems analysis, troubleshooting and the like—is centered on individual problem-solving that cannot be directed from above. Since IT work is inherently creative, effective leadership of IT workers means facilitating work that is often chaotic and goals that are rife with ambiguities. IT leadership skills diverge into unique territory. They must motivate IT workers who thrive on challenges and are not primarily driven by monetary carrots or perks, and who love technology but sometimes need to be pushed to apply it in ways that help others do their jobs. IT staffers place great value in ongoing training, but typically it is technical updates they want, not management training. Ideally, the workers should develop skills that build professionalism in the IT group and align with the company's needs.
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Format: HTML | Date: Oct 2003 | Pages: 1
