You’re seeking a promotion in IT Management. What’s the most important factor to consider?

Continuous Learning: Continuously update and expand your technical skills and knowledge in relevant areas of IT management. Demonstrate Expertise: Showcase your proficiency in key areas such as project management, team leadership, and strategic planning. Your Communication and Collaboration:

The most important factor to consider when seeking permission in IT management is the potential impact on the organization's security, data integrity, and compliance with regulations.

Is the role you are seeking more strategic or tactical? Do you have the level of knowledge and experience to provide guidance and oversee work? Can you do the work if it's more hands on? There are many different types of IT positions in different types of organizations. Get to know the expectations to know if you are qualified and will thrive.

Effective Communication: Demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey complex technical concepts and ideas clearly. Collaborative Approach: Foster collaboration within your team and across departments, emphasizing teamwork and shared goals.

Know whether you are managing (programs & assets) or leading (people, teams). If you're seeking a role leading teams, make sure that you actually enjoy working with people and all that comes with it. Building rapport, career coaching, performance management, and corrective action, when necessary.

Lead by Example: Exhibit strong leadership qualities by setting a positive example for your team and guiding them towards achieving objectives. Take Initiative: Proactively identify opportunities for improvement, take ownership of projects, and demonstrate initiative in solving complex challenges.

Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive and constructive attitude, even in challenging situations, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Professionalism: Uphold high standards of professionalism in your interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients.

I believe the formula for CREDIBILITY as a leader and professional is behaviors + expertise + trust (C = B+E+T). If you want to be a leader, you need to demonstrate professional behaviors that are in line with that role.

One of the key responsibilities of an IT Manager is to develop strong partnerships and to represent IT to the rest of the organization. Excellent IT managers learn who key stakeholders are and spend time with them to understand their needs and what IT resources they can bring to meet those needs.

Build Relationships: Cultivate strong professional relationships with peers, mentors, and industry contacts, expanding your network within the IT community. Reputation Management: Ensure that you have a positive reputation within the organization, characterized by trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity.

Everyone's career path is different. I started in Call Center Management before transitioning into IT and Cybersecurity. In recent years I've been able to be more selective in choosing career opportunities that I wanted. When possible, try to select career opportunities that get you closer to your dream job. Consider what experience you can gain or how it will enhance your credibility.

Clarify Your Goals: Define your career goals and aspirations within IT management, whether it's advancing to a higher leadership position, specializing in a particular area, or branching into a new domain. Align with Organizational Goals: Ensure that your career aspirations align with the strategic objectives and values of the organization.

a. Organizational Culture: Understand the culture of the organization and align your actions and goals accordingly to fit within the existing framework. b. Performance Metrics: Ensure that your performance metrics and achievements are well-documented and aligned with the expectations for the desired promotion. c. Mentorship and Guidance: Seek guidance from senior leaders or mentors within the organization who can provide insights and advice on navigating the promotion process.