So you’ve started your first job as an IT manager. Congratulations!! Now, what’s my first piece of advice for a new IT manager? Get Out of Your Office! Don’t permanently sit inside the IT area or the server room and commune only with your machines.
You’ll be surprised at all the positives you will derive from walking around your new domain:
- You’ll get to know your users as people, not as “problems” to be addressed.
- You’ll see real problems and/or opportunities (E.g. the password stuck onto the monitor, the manual spreadsheet being created, etc.). This “low-hanging fruit” will allow you to have some quick successes in the company.
- Talk to the users on their turf (especially the managers). Ask how IT is doing and what problems they are encountering. Again, if you listen and provide solutions, you will be viewed very positively.
- Watch how people interact with the technology you support. Are they comfortable with it? Could they use some help or training? Look for places where IT can help. Even little things add up.
- Get to know where all technology is within your company. It’s surprising what “hides” in little nooks and crannies. This will give you a “heads up” about what you might have to support.
- Look to collect all documentation and software. It can then be stored back in the IT area. Let’s face it – few people read documentation, but when it’s needed, it’s nice to have it in one area. As well, original software disks should not reside in a user’s space.
I’m sure you get the idea. Enjoy!
