IT Leadership

I’ve always believed that the quality of a leader is determined by the quality of the people that follow. Here is a thought, leading a team requires you to first lead yourself. In this article, I will share my thoughts on why IT leaders must focus on leading themselves first and what aspects they should focus on such as adaptability to change. Let’s get straight to it.

What Makes A Good Leader?

A good leader understands that leadership is a complex skill and mindset that requires a lot of work. Many think that leaders are born, some think that they can be made, but I believe that everyone has the potential to become a leader. It just takes a lot of courage to develop the skills and mindset. There are many qualities that make a good leader, but I consider these 5 to be key:

Honesty: Being honest with oneself and with the people around you is incredibly important. This also includes the hard conversations that nobody likes to have. If problems are left unaddressed, they compound and worsen over time.

Courage: Having the courage to take responsibility, embrace vulnerability and lead with integrity. Many people mistake courage with bravery, but they are different. Bravery is about taking an action in the midst of fear, whereas courage is about holding firm to a set of beliefs or values that are compromised despite the fear.

Adaptability: The world is changing rapidly, especially in the post-pandemic era. Thus, IT leaders must be willing and adaptable to change. Leaders must be able to adapt their strategies, workflows, and systems to accommodate the changing needs of their organization.

Objectivity: As a leader, you will be faced with countless decisions that require you to be objective. Objectivity helps leaders make sound and fair decisions, especially in moments where emotions are running high.

Approachability: As a leader, your team must be comfortable with approaching you. If you develop a reputation for being unapproachable, soon enough your team will stop communicating important information with you. Remember that you are a human just like everyone else, and being overly rigid or arrogant can hurt your team’s morale.

These are some qualities that I think are essential for leaders, especially in the IT industry which is rapidly changing and increasingly complex. You likely have some of these qualities, and that’s great! But remember, leadership is an endless journey that requires a lot of self-awareness and humility. There is always room for improvement, so let’s focus on that aspect.

Leading Yourself: Adaptability To Change

As IT leaders, one of the most important qualities you can develop is the ability to adapt to change quickly and effectively. The IT industry is one of the fastest-moving industries out there, and if you fall behind, you risk losing everything you’ve worked hard to build. Fortunately, adaptability is a skill that can be developed with some effort and discipline. Here are some important aspects to consider focusing on.

Discipline Yourself To Stay Informed

Being adaptable requires you to be informed about the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in the industry. Information is everywhere, but it’s up to you to seek it out. Make it a daily habit to consume information about the latest developments in IT. This could mean reading relevant articles, subscribing to podcasts, or following thought leaders on social media. Consume information that is relevant to your industry and organization. This way, when changes do occur, you will be better prepared to face them.

Be Proactive In Learning New Skills

Many professionals in the IT industry believe that their education is complete after they finish their degree. This is a dangerous assumption to make in such a rapidly evolving industry. Leaders must be proactive in learning new skills and staying ahead of the curve. This could mean investing in new online courses, certifications, or even attending workshops and conferences. It is also important to encourage the same attitude in your team so that the entire ecosystem is adaptable.

This is a key trait that hiring managers look for when they are looking to fill a role related to IT. It is also an additive trait that enhances your other skills and experiences. Being proactive in learning new skills is also a lot of fun because you get to explore an aspect of yourself that you may not have even known about.

Regularly Assess And Improve Your Workflow

It is important to regularly assess your workflow to see where improvements can be made. This requires strong self-awareness and the ability to take a step back and look at your own processes objectively. Ask yourself questions such as:

* Have I been using my time efficiently and productively?
* Are there any areas where I can streamline my processes? * Is there any technology or tool that can help improve my workflow?

This sort of analysis will allow you to identify areas where you can be more adaptable and flexible in your approach. Regularly assessing your workflow is a habit that will pay dividends in the long run. You will find ways to improve yourself and your team which will lead to better outcomes and a more adaptable mindset.

Manage Your Emotions When Facing Change

Emotions are a natural response to change, and not necessarily a bad thing. Emotions can help us make decisions and take action. However, emotions can also lead to bad decisions and poor judgment. IT leaders must manage their emotions appropriately, especially in times of change. This will help you model appropriate behavior for your team and maintain a clear head during critical moments.

Stay Organized Despite The Chaos

When faced with rapid change, the natural response for many is to panic and lose focus. IT leaders must stay calm and organized despite the chaos. This will help you make clear decisions and help your team navigate the change effectively. Good organization skills also translate into managing your time effectively. This is another trait that is highly respected and sought after in the IT industry.

Lead By Example

As an IT leader, it’s important to remember that your team will look to you for guidance during times of change. They will expect you to be calm, collected, and confident. If you demonstrate these qualities, your team members are likely to be more calm and productive as well. If you find that you are not exhibiting these qualities, do not fake it. Your team will respect you more if you are honest with them and acknowledge that you do not have all the answers and are trying your best.

Take Calculated Risks When Appropriate

oftentimes, adapting to change requires taking risks. This could mean making a big decision during a moment of crisis, or investing in new technologies before the competition does. Calculated risks are a part of the IT industry and necessary for keeping ahead of the curve. Taking risks also means that you must be comfortable with failure. Failure is often the lesson that you needed to learn to make the next big breakthrough.

Review Your Progress And Adapt Your Approach

Finally, adaptability requires reflection. Reflecting on what you have accomplished and how you could have handled things differently is key to improving your adaptability. Reflecting on your workflows and processes is a good start, but you should also reflect on your personal habits and your responses to stress and pressure.

Conclusion

The IT industry is one where change happens quickly and frequently. Those who cannot adapt to change quickly will be left behind. Therefore, IT leaders must focus on leading themselves first by developing the adaptability to navigate change productively. This requires a conscious and ongoing effort.

Adaptability requires discipline, objective, and the courage to take risks. As an IT leader, you must also be approachable and manage your emotions effectively during times of change. Buying into these aspects will help you lead yourself and your team effectively amidst the rapid changes happening in the industry.

I hope you’ve found this article thought-provoking. If you have any questions or would like to explore any of the topics in more detail, please let me know. I’m happy to further elaborate on any of the items discussed above.