How to Know if You'll Be a Good IT Manager: 5 Signs of a Great Manager

Contents: 

• What an IT manager does
• Signs of a good manager
• How to develop management skills if you don't have them
• What to read for those planning to become an IT manager. Useful literature from the editors of Skillbox.by

An IT manager is a specialist who combines technical knowledge with management skills. He or she helps the team achieve business goals, motivates employees, and coordinates projects.

We have collected five signs by which you can determine that you will be a good manager in the field of information technology. Check yourself on each point.

What does an IT manager do?

An IT manager implements various projects: for example, banking applications or online stores. They organize interaction between all team members and are also responsible for communication with customers and business partners.

The manager supports every stage of development: from participating in the development of the project architecture to testing and launch. Here's what a specialist does every day:

• Manages projects. If designers, developers, testers, and other employees do not complete the work on time or make mistakes, the manager will be held accountable to the client or management.

• Implements new technologies.If a new technology has emerged, the manager will assess the need for its implementation. For example, artificial intelligence and neural networks are great at automating routine tasks: they help prepare for interviews or find errors in code.
• Trains and develops the team.The IT manager constantly conducts training: asks experienced colleagues to help junior specialists or invites speakers from other companies.
• Optimizes processes.The IT manager analyzes processes in the company and looks for ways to optimize them. For example, the implementation of artificial intelligence will help free the team from routine, giving time for complex tasks.
• Collaborates with other departments.If a designer needs to negotiate with a layout designer, and a developer with system administrators and support, the IT manager acts as an intermediary.

Signs of a good manager

An IT project manager is responsible for completing tasks and implementing a project. They are responsible not only for meeting deadlines but also for the team atmosphere. They ensure that testers and developers do not quarrel, and that designers do not make a million edits for the client. Here is a full list of their skills:

• Knows how to solve problems and stay calm under pressure.If a disappointed customer is rude and negative, or employees are squabbling over the last cookie, a good IT manager will sort it out. And quickly and without cost to the company. They figure out who's upset, listen to all sides, and get the team on track.

• Knows how to approach anyone.The IT manager works with a team of developers, testers, designers and other specialists. He knows how to convey information in simple language for everyone: he explains complex things in simple language to a client, a programmer, a marketer, and even his grandmother. The manager knows how to approach a busy developer and can achieve a quick solution to a pressing task.
• Sets priorities and organizes processes.The manager knows what to do if a developer has lost a task or is late with its completion. He also builds a task sequence so that the team works harmoniously.
• Has a technical base and trusts experts.An IT manager does not have to be an expert in all areas, but it is necessary to have a general idea of ​​how technologies work. For example, he knows that a front-end developer can solve a specific problem. He doesn't necessarily need to understand the intricacies of development himself. But knowing who to turn to is essential.
• Learns and adapts to changes.A good manager is willing to constantly learn and adapt to new conditions. This helps them remain in demand in the labor market. If a specialist understands that working with Big Data requires more than just knowledge and experience, they can take courses within the company or on educational platforms.

How to develop management skills if you don't have them

If you want to become a good IT manager, but feel you lack certain skills, they can be easily developed:

• Read.There's a wealth of literature online and in bookstores that will help you become a great manager: from general management theory to specific skills—for example, negotiation techniques.
• Try solving problems.Solve tasks for which scripts—step-by-step instructions and procedures—have not yet been written. For example, what to do if a key developer on the project quits one day and doesn't tell anyone. This will help you find a way out of difficult situations in the future.

• Improve your communication skills. Communicate with different people, take part in discussions. This will help you learn to listen to others and express your thoughts clearly and convincingly.
• Organize processes.Start with small projects and gradually increase their complexity. You can start with free projects - startups. This will help you understand how to organize the team's work and achieve your goals.
• Learn technologies.Read articles, watch videos, attend webinars and conferences. This will help you stay up to date with the latest technologies and make informed decisions.
• Ask for help.If you don't know or can't do something, don't hesitate to ask your colleagues or mentors for help. They will share their experience and knowledge.

What to read for those planning to become an IT manager. Useful literature from the editors of Skillbox.by

We've collected classics for future managers. The selection includes five books that can be read in a few evenings.

• «Scrum. Deadline. A Novel about Project Management" Tom DeMarco - in this book, the author shares his experience in project management and gives advice on effective time and resource management.
• «The Ideal Programmer. How to Become a Software Development Professional by Robert Martin is a book devoted to the professional growth of programmers and project managers, containing practical recommendations and advice. Radical Directness. How to Manage People Without Losing Your Humanity" by Kim Scott - the author offers a new approach to management based on honesty and openness in communication with colleagues and subordinates.
• «First, say "no." Secrets of Professional Negotiatorsby Jim Kemp — the book teaches the art of negotiation and helps develop effective communication skills, which is important for a manager in any field.