10 Skills That Will Help You Become the IT Head

Are you passionate about technology and ready to take on a leadership role in IT? Becoming an IT head is no cakewalk, but with the right combination of skills and experience, you can climb the ladder and reach new heights in your career.

From technical prowess to outstanding leadership abilities, this blog will guide you through the top 10 skills that will help you become an IT head. Let us dive in!

1. Technical proficiency: Stating the obvious – mastering the technical aspects of IT is crucial for an IT head. From staying up-to-date with the latest advancements to understanding complex systems, having a solid foundation in programming, networking, security, and infrastructure will earn you the leadership position you dream of. In addition to that, a solid knowledge base will help you make better, informed decisions.Online platforms like Coursera offer a variety of courses to enhance your technical prowess: Coursera IT Courses.
2. Problem-solving aptitude: Being a leader means facing countless challenges every day. As an IT head, your ability to approach problems strategically, analyse situations objectively, and devise innovative solutions will be invaluable. Cultivating a problem-solving aptitude will help you navigate obstacles and keep IT operations running smoothly.
   
   The Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making course on Coursera, curated by the University of California, provides valuable techniques.
3. Communication skills: Effective communication is the backbone of successful leadership. As an IT head, you will interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including technical and non-technical team members, stakeholders, and executives. Clear and concise communication – both written and verbal – will ensure that everyone understands your vision and fosters collaboration.
   
   Improve your communication skills through resources like the book Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson et al.
4. Leadership skills: Being a leader goes beyond simply managing a team. It requires inspiring and motivating others to achieve their best. Cultivate leadership skills such as delegation, decision-making, and team-building to foster a positive work environment and empower your team to deliver outstanding results. 
   
   The book Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek offers valuable insights into effective leadership.
5. Strategic thinking: What’s a leader without a strategic mentality? As an IT Head, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the IT strategy of your organisation. Develop the ability to think strategically, align technology initiatives with business goals, and envision the long-term impact of your decisions. Strategic thinking will help you prioritise projects, allocate resources effectively, and drive growth.
   
   Make you sharpen your strategic thinking through courses or other resources. Check out Coursera for some great options.
6. Adaptability: The IT landscape is evolving, and adaptability is a must-have skill for an IT leader. Embrace change, stay updated with emerging technologies, and encourage a culture of continuous learning within your team. By being flexible and open to new ideas, you can drive innovation and stay ahead of the curve.
   
   The course Cultivating Adaptability and Resilience on LinkedIn Learning provides strategies for navigating change.
7. Business acumen: IT operations come with a price tag, and understanding the financial aspects is essential for an IT Head. Learn to manage budgets, optimise spending, and demonstrate the value of technology investments to stakeholders. By being financially savvy, you can ensure that your IT initiatives contribute to business success.
   
   Online resources like Harvard Business Review offer insightful articles and courses on business acumen.
8. Project management skills: IT projects are often complex and multifaceted. Developing project management skills, such as planning, organising, and monitoring progress, will enable you to deliver projects on time and within budget. These will also enhance your reputation as an efficient and reliable leader.
   
   The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers certifications like the ‘Project Management Professional’ (PMP) to boost your project management skills.
9. Teamwork and collaboration: IT is a team sport, and collaboration is key to success. Foster a culture of teamwork within your department by encouraging knowledge-sharing, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and recognising individual and team achievements. A cohesive and motivated team will help you achieve organisational goals more effectively.
   
   Check out this course High Performance Collaboration: Leadership, Teamwork, and Negotiation offered by Northwestern University on Coursera.
10. Emotional intelligence: Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of emotional intelligence. Being aware of your emotions, empathising with others, and managing conflicts with diplomacy are essential skills for an IT Head. Emotional intelligence enables you to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts constructively, and create a positive work environment.
    
    The book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves offers practical strategies. 

Becoming an IT Head requires a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for continuous growth. By honing these 10 skills, you can embark on a fulfilling journey towards becoming an IT Head. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the top; it’s about inspiring and empowering others to reach new heights as well. So, develop these skills, and unlock the door to a rewarding IT leadership career!

One last thing! As an aspiring IT leader, you might be looking at IT support games and security drawbacks at your organisation. Why don’t you check out how ZenAdmin can transform your IT support landscape? If our solutions look promising, maybe you can start with a leadership buy-in! 😉