People management is not an easy task, and it is particularly challenging if this is the first management role that you have held in your career. Add to that being an IT manager, and the trouble just multiplies. Why? Well, a renowned psychologist states that first-time IT managers are usually people promoted from their jobs as individual contributors for their intellect and their ability to solve problems. When it comes to solving technical problems, these people are masters, but they haven't the first clue to solving people problems.A lot of surveys conducted on this topic echo this sentiment and further reveal that these first-time IT managers are usually introverts who moved up the ranks for their ability to handle all things technical and their exceptional ownership of all tasks assigned to them. Hence, when they are put into a position where they need to talk to people and motivate them to do their jobs, they are all lost. No one had to motivate them to do their job; hence, they take it for granted that everyone else would be so responsible.
However, managing people would get easier if these first-time IT managers would realize this shortcoming of theirs and put their creativity to solving the problem. Here are a few things that would help as well:
Set up regular one-on-one meetings with team members: First-time IT managers need to take out some time every week or every other week to talk to their team members about individual performance and growth initiatives.
Provide performance coaching: These managers need to identify the knowledge gaps between team members that lead to a poor performance. They then need to speak to the poor performers and suggest ways in which these people can improve their work. Taking an interest in every individual's performance and helping him/her improve his/her skill-set will earn the manager the team's trust, which will come in handy during tough times.
Provide a clear growth path: First-time IT managers need to show the team that they are interested in the team's growth and should chart out a clear growth path for every team member. They should discuss this growth path with the individuals and have regular check-point meetings to ensure that their team members have not deviated from the path.
Socialize with team members: Whenever possible, first-time IT managers should step out for a drink or a game with their team members. This will ensure that the team has some time and an informal environment to talk to their manager about the problems they are having or in general about their interests and passions. They need to realize that their manager is as human as they are, and once this realization sets in, it'll be easier for them to discuss their issues with their manager, which in turn will help the managers resolve issues before they blow out of proportion.
The abovementioned to-dos will not just ensure that the team and the managers get to know and understand each other, but they will also eliminate the need for the managers to micromanage the team as they are grooming the team to become independent and responsible every step of the way. Becoming approachable will also help the first-time managers to leave behind the perception of being an autocratic taskmaster and involve the entire team in making important decisions, which will make the team more receptive to their ideas. After all, leadership is all about motivating and inspiring people to achieve their goals by themselves.
