What are the key skills for computer networking professionals transitioning to leadership roles?

Training - effective leaders need to be skilled communicators. This is a learned skill. I've noticed that this is particularly true of networking professionals. I've done this poorly and have paid the price. I've assumed when I shouldn't have. I've learned to invest and develop these soft skills in my new leaders/managers. You get what you pay for.

Leaders should be adept at listening to the concerns, ideas, and feedback of team members, superiors, and other stakeholders. Actively listening helps build trust and understanding.

Leaders need to address conflicts within the team promptly and constructively. Develop skills to mediate disputes, find common ground, and foster a positive working environment. Ensure that communication flows smoothly within the team. Foster an open and transparent communication culture, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback.

Training - I've noticed that computer networking professionals can have a "lone ranger" mind set. Therefore, key to success is promote or hire right in the first place. Hire someone that has at least some proven collaboration experience. Ask the right question and conduct a personality test like DISC, etc. Once hired be prepared to develop their teamwork skills, management and other soft skills including how to communicate and motivate other personality types and perhaps the hardest of all holding people accountable in the best possible way, especially former peers.

Strong decision-making skills involve considering available options, evaluating their potential outcomes, and making well-informed choices. Leaders need to make timely decisions to keep projects and teams on track. Foster a culture of innovation within the team. Encourage creative problem-solving approaches and be open to exploring new ideas and technologies.

In my experience networking professionals already have problem solving skills. It is one of their superpowers. Beware and with do respect they are not as smart as they think they are, no one is. Further they are loathe to escalate an issue to their supervisor or higher because they think it will make them look bad. Wisdom is a by product of failure. A good supervisor will give their permission to fail, but not too much. BTW way, watch out for escalators. They lack something that needs to identified and resolved.

One thing I have found to be true is good networking professional who become good leaders know how to rise above the weeds caused by the blinking lights. They learn how to focus on the strategy and its development rather than the tactics. Resolving escalated my need their expertise. This should be the exception rather than the rule. Keep an eye out. My experience shows these natural born heroes will dive into the weeds and if not managed right they will start micromanaging and break fixing when they shouldn't. This behavior hurt their development and will shatter the collaborative environment one hopes for therefore, nip it in the bud in a timely manner.

Great topic. One of my favorites. As a business owner I've learned that I cannot deliver the client experience I promise with out talent. I need people that are smarter than me to satisfy our customers. I will only hire or promote those individuals that have a proven commitment to continuous personal improvement and learning. I reward all technical, managerial and soft skill certifications with lucrative bonuses. The costs are minimal. The results are priceless.

New leaders must understand that they cannot do it all themselves. Delegation and trust in the team they built are paramount.