how to be the a-team and not the geek squad (2014 ny tech summit)
DESCRIPTION
IT career success is not solely based on being a subject matter expert. Establishing your professional value and brand is largely based on your development of softskills. This presentation I delivered at the 2014 NY Tech Summit presents some of the core elements for IT success personally and professionally.TRANSCRIPT
How To Be the A-Teamand not the Geek Squad
Eric J.T. Caballero, Presenter
Equip (provide what’s needed)
Ensure (up & available)
Empower (productive &
innovative)
What does IT do?
Problem Solving Communicating Collaborating Engaging Being Professional
How does IT deliver the E’s?
Entry Level
Low Experience
Modest Value to the
Organization
Common Professional Development
Mid Level
Mid Experience
Higher Value to the
Organization
High Level
High Experience
Highest Value to the Organization
$ $$ $$$
Support Analyst
Low Experience
Modest Value to the Organization
Common Professional Development
Jr. Engineer
Mid Experience
Higher Value to the
Organization
Sr. Engineer
High Experience
Highest Value to the Organization
$ $$ $$$
Programmer
Low Experience
Modest Value to the
Organization
Common Professional Development
Jr. Developer
Mid Experience
Higher Value to the
Organization
Sr. Developer
High Experience
Highest Value to the Organization
$ $$ $$$
Project Mgr.
Low Experience
Modest Value to the
Organization
Common Professional Development
Director
Mid Experience
Higher Value to the
Organization
CIO
High Experience
Highest Value to the Organization
$ $$ $$$
CIO
Operations Director
Engineers
Techs
Applications
Director
Developers
Analysts
Trainers
Projects Director
Project Managers
Specialists
CTO CISO
Basic IT Function Framework
Focus on solutions not problems
Use an open mind
Assess neutrally
Think in possibilities
Language of action
Simplify
#1 Problem Solving
Have an objective
Articulate clearly
Know your audience
Watch the technobabble
Be succinct
Mindful of your tone
#2 Communicating
Check your ego
Be flexible
Take responsibility
Constructively criticize
Be succinct
Be helpful
#3 Collaborating
Know the mission, values, goals
Learn the industry
Respect the history
Be part of the culture
Understand the politics
Truthful and genuine
Tell stories
#4 Engaging
Work towards goals
Be accountable
Be considerate
Be consistent
Be tidy
Dress appropriate
#5 Be Professional
NO:
Connect effort to impact
Connect impact to outcomes
Link skills and effort to quality
Identify career paths
Link Staff To The Organization
Create learning opportunities
Involve staff in information sharing
Ask staff for opinions
Answer all questions
Enable and recognize efforts
Know them as people
Link Staff To Leadership
Admits wrong Accepts constructive
criticism Focus and does what’s
right See’s challenge as
opportunity Open minded Adaptable Moral & ethical standard
Who You Want To Work With
No Whining Finish what they start Reads regularly Balanced work-personal
life Can say no Inquisitive Respectful
@EJTCaballero
www.linkedin.com/in/ericcaballero
Thank You!
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