IT Management Job Overwhelming? There Are Resources That Can Help

Peer Options: Because we spend so much time with the same co-workers, there is a tendency to huddle with this group to consult, discuss, collaborate.  Certainly there is a level of benefit to engaging with someone who knows the organization, the operation, and the culture, but a fresh set of eyes can provide an impetus for creative and innovative solutions.  For example, while there may be a level of competitive posturing between organizations, there is a natural collaboration that occurs between executive management – kind of a mutual admiration, if you will – that allows relationships to be forged despite market position.   Middle and senior managers need to tap into these information channels – much easier now with social media venues – sharing and collaborating on topics not just domestically, but internationally.

Local Organizations: One of the most economical methods of networking for a manager and their staff is the plethora of local organizations available that meet at some regular interval.  While the natural tendency is to attend and collaborate with organizations in your own technology sweet spot, occasionally attending those outside of your sphere of influence can be just as valuable.  Can’t find a local activity in a discipline of interest?  Work with your vendor representatives to put you in touch with one, or if possible, host an event.  As a host you can maximize the offering to your organization with minimal cost or risk, if you’re worried about you or your staff being offsite for the day.  AFCOM local chapters provide a great option, as do other national affiliates with dispersed member populations.  In many cases, local events will allow you to try a meeting out without a fee allowing you to assess its value before forking out the dues.

Social Media: I was speaking at a data center event several years back and was shocked to see the number of individuals (when posed the question) had no presence in any form of (work based) social media.  We all know that this industry is suffering from a lack of contemporary interest in this field, but avoiding education and use (or even understanding) of how social media works in the communication universe is not only doing a disservice to yourself, but also your staff.  Even if you’re not comfortable using one of a number of options available, at least have a working knowledge of their potential uses, benefits, and risks.

National Organizations: There are traditionally fees associated with membership of a national organization, so it is critical to understand the value proposition that these groups bring to you as an individual as well as your organization.  While discounted conference fees are an interesting incentive, it is the (traditionally no-charge) webinars, (member only) blogs, etc. that really give the subscriber the benefit of membership.  But all national memberships are not created equal and need to be vetted before pushing the submit key.  Similar to contracts, read the fine print – most come with an auto-renewal option – based on your organization’s protocol this could be problematic.

Vendor Partners: While certain purchases just “have to happen”  – think an inventory of contingency drives – there are those purchases that require a true “partnership” with a service provider.  Developing these business relationships bring with them the advantages of valuable resources in all aspects of technology.  A true vendor partner, despite providing product or service for one discipline, will readily make subject matter experts available to you in other disciplines.   I’m not talking a professional services engagement, moreover a casual conversation that can help you make an educated decision.  This subtle distinction is how I distinguish who I consider a “vendor” versus a “partner”.