Managing an IT Staff

Managing people is always a challenge. Projects, deadlines, limited budgets and resources are nothing compared to managing people. However, most management training focuses on how to lead, with no attention to who you are leading. And that can make all the difference.

IT staffers tend to be a unique breed that presents their own challenges. First of all, technical people frequently, but not always, are people who focus on details and problem solving. They frequently like their jobs because they like the technology. These people are not likely to be concerned with being a leader, or being in control of others, as long as they have control over their own work.

For this reason, managers need to look for project volunteers, rather than assignees. Paul Glen, author of “Leading Geeks: How to Manage and Lead the People Who Deliver Technology” says, “Geeks love to learn new stuff.” Many technical workers value interesting projects over promotions. Keep them motivated by letting them chose their own projects.

IT workers usually know more about what they are doing than anyone else – including their managers. For this reason, it is critical to avoid micromanaging. Your job as a manager is to make sure your staff members have the resources they need and the support of upper management. Let the technical people do what they know and what they love. Managers of technical people need to focus on what they want their people to accomplish and not tell them how to accomplish it. Hire good people and get out of their way.

Jim Raposa wrote in eWeek Magazine, “Technical workers are problem solvers; don’t be a problem.” He says that if workers view management policies and procedures as problems, they will find creative ways to work around them.

It is also important to build credibility with technical workers. They need to know that management is serious about their projects and that they are viewed as valuable staffers.

There is a lot of focus these days on “delighting the customer,” but you must remember that your most valuable asset is your people. Make sure they know that you are on their side. Delight your staff and they will delight your customers.