Here's how you can balance your technical expertise with leadership responsibilities in IT Strategy.

Continuously invest in your own learning and development. Stay updated with the latest technologies, methodologies, and industry trends. By being proactive in learning, you not only enhance your technical expertise but also demonstrate a growth mindset to your team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Continuous learning is vital in IT strategy. Leaders should stay updated on the latest technological trends and advancements to make informed decisions. Equally important is developing soft skills such as communication, empathy, and strategic thinking. Balancing technical expertise with leadership skills demands a commitment to lifelong learning, through courses, workshops, or staying curious about new developments. There are plenty of resources available through various channels on new and emerging topics.

To effectively manage others with clarity and fluidity, having knowledge of the field is crucial to intervene and interact effectively. In this context, continuous learning is paramount for managers. Acknowledging areas or technologies where we may lack expertise enables us to take proactive steps in research, discovery, and learning to align with our teams effectively.

Another perspective on effective delegation is that it not only signals a leadership role in IT strategy, but also a smart decision for the entire team. Delegating means having confidence in your team members. By giving them responsibility, you strengthen their self-confidence and skills. Delegating makes it possible to complete tasks more efficiently. If you try to do everything yourself, you could be overloaded and overlook important aspects. Delegating allows you to optimise the use of your team's resources.

This is very crucial for strong IT leadership. Trust your team with technical tasks while you focus on strategic planning. Identify team members' strengths and assign responsibilities accordingly. This empowers your team and frees your time for higher-level decision-making. Delegation is about enabling others to contribute their expertise, not losing control. For example: Assign a skilled developer to lead a software project while you oversee the overall strategy. Delegate routine IT maintenance tasks to junior staff, allowing you to focus on innovation and growth.

Recognize that you can't do everything yourself. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members based on their strengths and expertise. Effective delegation not only empowers your team but also frees up your time to focus on high-level strategic initiatives.

We should view task delegation as a learning opportunity for our colleagues and not be afraid, provided we make a judicious choice between the task and the person to whom we delegate. This exercise of associating tasks with resources demonstrates the manager's level of strategic and technical knowledge.

Encourage collaboration across teams and departments. Break down silos and create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration to tackle complex IT challenges. By fostering a collaborative environment, you can leverage the collective intelligence of your team to drive innovation and achieve strategic objectives.

Another perspective on creating a collaborative environment could be that it is essential not only for the balance between technical and leadership roles, but also for the personal development of each team member. - Promoting diversity and inclusion: This not only promotes innovative solutions, but also contributes to an inclusive working environment. - Development of leadership skills: Learn how to incorporate different perspectives and lead teams effectively. - Knowledge transfer and learning opportunities: This enables everyone to constantly develop and learn new skills. - Strengthening team loyalty: Working together on complex problems creates a sense of togetherness within the team. This can increase motivation and productivity.

Effective communication is essential for successful leadership in IT strategy. Clearly communicate your vision, goals, and expectations to your team members. Ensure that everyone understands their role in achieving the organization's objectives. Additionally, actively listen to your team members' feedback and concerns, fostering open and transparent communication channels.

For me, when we talk about leadership, the first thing that comes to mind is being an example. You cannot be a respected and followed leader without being exemplary. You must be an inspiring role model with a strong work ethic. Be careful of trying to do everything yourself and not delegating. Superman or superwoman does not exist. You must delegate and not do everything for your teams. You need to help them progress to achieve independence. Your role is to provide the vision, set the framework, and offer the support needed for success. Servant leadership, where you help your team, seems to be a form of leadership that can truly make a difference. #RijaRKT

Show your commitment to both technical and strategic aspects of your role. When your team sees you involved in technical discussions and driving strategic initiatives, they respect your expertise and follow your lead. This approach reinforces your credibility and inspires your team to develop a similar balance in their roles. Consider: Participating in technical problem-solving sessions while also outlining long-term IT strategies. Share your learning experiences and insights from both technical and leadership perspectives to motivate your team.

Set a positive example for your team by demonstrating integrity, accountability, and professionalism in your actions. Lead by example by embodying the values and principles that you expect from your team members. Your behavior sets the tone for the organizational culture and influences how your team members perceive their roles and responsibilities.

As a leader in IT strategy, you must have the ability to prioritize effectively. Identify key initiatives that align with the organization's strategic objectives and allocate resources accordingly. Make data-driven decisions and regularly review and adjust priorities based on changing business needs and market dynamics.

Take a holistic approach to leadership in IT strategy by considering the broader implications of your decisions on the organization as a whole. Stay informed about emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and industry best practices. Collaborate with other leaders across the organization to ensure alignment between IT strategy and overall business objectives. Additionally, don't forget to nurture talent within your team and invest in their professional development to build a strong and resilient IT organization for the future.