How can you become a top performer in the IT industry?

Our industry has changed from Systems Engineers/Technologists to many more SMEs. It is great to have the SME to come in when needed; however, to be viewed as a true collaborative partner with your client, you must know many towers of technology and business. Being a true Technologist can provide terrific conversations with your clients, who we all know have more than one issue. You can start in the center with your client, turn on your active listening skills, and ask the questions starting with 'WHY?' Knowing your client's 'why' will help you and your client establish a very collaborative effort.

Becoming a top performer in the IT industry is a journey that requires continuous learning, dedication, and a passion for your work. Strive for excellence, seek feedback, and constantly challenge yourself to reach new heights.

Conocer y aprender nuevas tecnologías y herramientas es muy importante, pero implementarlas con resultados, es la busqueda constante de TI

Shatter the glass ceiling of conventional thought. It's not just about the latest languages or the fastest algorithms. It's about understanding the industry's pulse, the emerging trends, the uncharted territories. Top performers are visionaries. They see beyond the immediate project and understand the larger ecosystem. Their creativity isn't confined to frameworks or libraries, but extends to problem-solving and innovation. Develop an insatiable curiosity. Ask questions. Dive deep. Unravel the mysteries of how and why. Connect, engage, collaborate. No one reaches the top alone. Build relationships with your peers, mentors, even competitors. Share insights, debate ideas, learn from each other.

Acquire Foundational Knowledge: Ensure that you have a strong understanding of fundamental IT concepts and technologies. Being well-versed in basics such as computing, networking, databases, and security is crucial. Specialize: Choose a specific domain within IT that interests you and has good market demand, such as cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, or software development. Obtain certifications and training in that area to specialize and increase your expertise. Stay Current: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field. Technology evolves rapidly, and staying informed is essential to being a top performer.

Regardless of the industry, our “why” is critical to success. Taking time to understand the problem being solved and the stakeholders involved will help bring perspective. What we do should be less about the technological solution and more about how the technology can help.

As stated in the main article, team activities are vital toward helping recognize the needs and potential stressors co-workers may have and can be important toward building different types of trust. However, consider the value of honesty with oneself as a component in being able to navigate a variety of conversations with co-workers and collaborators. Be open to learning what you think you may already know, consider writing down phrases or ideas that are new or unfamiliar. Ask for help and seek advice about concepts immediately after discovering them. In the modern workplace anyone can respond using output from an AI prompt, soft skills are about doing the work to be more humane and work more harmoniously with others.

In my opinion, speaking (of course speaking well) is one of the main skills of consultants. Management of meetings, familiarity with body language, methods of detecting lies and liars, techniques to overcome stress and many topics that we often think are related to psychological sciences should be learned. I suggest reading the book "Never Be Lied to Again" written by David J. Lieberman.

Most people refer to this group of skills as soft skills. I would counter and say these are 'Hard Skills.' Saying that people skills are soft skills has never led a team. They are one of the hardest skills to master, and we put a 'soft' word on something that is extremely important in all businesses. The new generations coming into the workplace are not taught active listening skills, how to have touch conversations, etc. The companies of today who succeed, put this as a priority for their teammates. Those who ignore it have challenges, and it will cost you your NPS scores, internal and external with your clients. Be a mentor and a servant leader to help educate on the 'hard skills'.

Over the years, I have noticed that many IT Professionals lack the knowhow of talking to subordinates and stakeholders. Soft skills are a key player in one’s career. For example, imagine yourself in a situation where a reply is needed urgently. I guess, you would not like your Linguistic Skills to be on the back seat in this kind of a situation? Furthermore, being technically sound, indubitably carries similar merits.

Never underestimate the importance of networking. A strong network can help you put together the right team, bring new opportunities, solicit feedback and advice. Always take the time to make meaningful connections, especially with those who have differing opinions, those who challenge your way of thinking.

Always stretching yourself, professionally and personally, is essential for overall growth as a person. It is key in Technology to stay abreast of the new technologies as well as all the M&As that have taken place. The ripple impact is large and wide. As an example to your team, gain a new certification. Challenge yourself and be an example for your team. When a special project comes up, jump on it. It shows initiative and will get your billboard big and bright in your organization will take notice. It is not who you know, but who knows you that impacts you at your organization and network.

This is one of the best methods of personal development and increasing skills, but few people have the courage to use this method.

IT professionals often encounter complex problems. Develop a systematic approach to problem-solving and troubleshoot effectively. This will set apart from majority of other IT professionals.

Do not forget to participate in conferences and exhibitions. It will help you in networking and it will be effective in keeping you up-to-date and familiar with new technologies in your field of expertise.

Being a top performer in IT is relative the goals of the organization. Being a partner with the business means gaining a deep understanding of the strategy and goals and aligning IT outcomes in way that legitimately adds value. Having the technical skills with the business sense will set you apart in this field.

Stay close your client, in terms of where their business is headed and help drive towards business outcomes. Use cases, proof of value and most viable products.

Be open to learning and unlearning! The tech industry is very dynamic and evolving. You must be open to learning new things, trying out new ways of doing things and generally being open to innovations.

To become a top performer in the IT industry, stay updated on emerging technologies, continuously upskill, seek challenging projects, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and demonstrate a proactive problem-solving approach.