Here's a tip from IT managers: Supplement your technical expertise with business skills and you could substantially increase your chances of advancing or getting the next plum assignment.
"Of all the people I've recruited I can tell right away who will advance," says a technical recruiter from Mesa, Arizona. "The people who come in and make an effort to understand the company's vision and direction stand out right away. That initiative, combined with good communication and interpersonal skills, is imperative in today's market."
A technical manager with a Big 5 firm in Dallas agrees. "There is a need in the IT industry for vision and leadership. A need that could be filled with technical professionals who are willing to expand their soft skills and people management savvy."
The challenge in today's IT market is that non-technical professionals lead many project teams. This often results in a chasm between expectations and results.
"It is difficult in many cases for a non-tech person to manage a technology team," the technical manager says. "The most effective project manager understands the architecture and the environment of the project and is able to manage to deadlines, cost and technology. When the project manager doesn't understand the way the technology works, it is difficult for him or her to assess if the work is being done in the most cost and time-effective way."
This unique situation presents a challenge, and many opportunities, to today's IT employees. With no expected slowdown in the number of projects being undertaken by companies, the number of teams created for all projects is only expected to increase exponentially each year. If desired, this offers IT employees a chance to break out of "traditional" roles and move into more management and leadership positions.
What are the first steps? The technical manager says strong communication and management skills are essential. "What a company will look for in a good IT manager is someone who is able to manage expectations, and someone who has a strong understanding of conflict, issue and budget management."
The recruiter agrees and says the same advice for all professionals looking to grow and increase their value to their organization holds true for IT professionals – take ownership of difficult projects and take the initiative to seek out projects before they are assigned.
Technical managers also suggest finding a "mentor" within your current organization from whom to learn good business practices. Experts advise that the ability to work with a good project leader and learn directly from that person should never be discounted. Outside the workplace there are many mechanisms for self-improvement including online courses, books and videos.
More important than anything, is that as an employee you make your desire to advance or take on new responsibility known. Let your management know your interests and then find a way to make that work come to you.