Redeploying IT resources

When IT managers think of deploying or re-deploying resources, they are usually referring to servers, hardware/software, and/or cloud computing. Yet in conversation with other CIO's and IS/IT managers, very few are looking at their people.

Information Technology is constantly on the move. As new technology is introduced into your environment, you should consider you staff's skill set. Have they received adequate training? Can your managers identify and manage the risks? A lot of time is spent on assessing the organizations technology needs and vendor relations and very little on in house IT personnel. Maybe your organization relies on third party companies to manage your environment. But that doesn't absolve management from oversight responsibility. So how do you redeploy people?

Assessment

Recently I had a help desk tech ask me about SQL classes. After a lengthy conversation about databases and SQL, I realized she was in the wrong spot. Its important to assess your employees skills. This can be done through interview, observation, or during their annual review. In my experience, this has been the easiest way of determining who is in the right spot.

As you bring on new projects, use that knowledge to empower and develop your staff. Document as much as you can and setup goals with measurable performance indicators. This is an on going multi-year process. But in the long run, the organization will benefit from developing in house talent versus outsourcing everything.