Qualities of a successful IT Manager

A good manager essentially knows all about planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling which are the basic functions of any management area. People often assume that managers only need to give instructions to their subordinates and not themselves perform any job. But, the role of a manager goes beyond books as the needs on the job require a manager to do much more. Often in order to get the work done from the team members, a manager often has to himself perform the act and lead by example.

For being a successful IT manager, the goals and objectives should be very clear in his mind. Once a manager knows what to accomplish, he can issue proper guidelines to his teammates. There should be optimum utilization of resources so that all plans work and lead to success. It is not only staff who should be taken care of but products and materials and such other requisites which help the employees to achieve the goals.

Apart from good communication skills, an IT manager also needs to have proper decision-making ability and should know when to act and when not to act. Apart form planning and organizing, controlling is another aspect which necessitates looking after the entire output and hence increase or decrease the products in any operation. Controlling the subordinates will require comparing their input with output and hence seek an increase in the performance level.

You should, when dealing with your subordinates, remember that they should all be treated equally and at the same time be treated as if they are customers. This will boost their morale and hence their productivity. You should also be flexible and not too stringent with the targets of your team. A manager also should be able to negotiate on deals and get the results.

There are so many characteristics which a manager should possess, but in general some of these essential qualities a manager should have in order to be successful in the field of IT.

• A good subject knowledge: Whatever the portfolio a manager is handling, he should be completely expert at it. An IT manager obviously needs to know about the server, network management, database management etc.

• Ability to correlate and coordinate with other departments: He does not only need to know how to manage his department but should also know how his department can be effective in the performance of other departments.
  

• Ability to handle the teamwork: A successful IT manager should know what motivates a team and how to extract the best out of them. He should assess the team by gauging their weaknesses and hence should be able to remove those weaknesses by getting on top of the work.

• A keen approach towards problem-solving and decision-making: If a manager is not logical, he is of no use. If a particular team member lacks certain skills, he should train towards achieving the organizational goals. In entirety, a sound judgement is essential.

• Ability to cope with pressure: There are very few managers who can cope with the demands of the organization. A manager who can take up extra work pressure and complete the tasks at hand on time, he is a successful IT manager.

Above all, an IT manager needs to be proactive and should not be prompted by his superior. The field of IT requires to be updated as innovations take place and the IT industry witnesses change. A balanced frame of mind, being always watchful of the events and a continuous learning habit will ensure success.