Softer side of managing Software professionals
An article in today’s Wall Street Journal -- M.B.A. Programs Hone 'Soft Skills' – set me thinking about an aspect of managing software professionals. The article focuses extensively on "soft skills" and leadership for future managers, a topic that is very relevant for global IT managers too.
This is a topic I have mused about in the past. I had written about it in a column for Express Computers a few years ago and also dealt with extensively in my book. An abstract from my earlier article, that are still relevant today:
Apart from the technical skills and knowledge of IT systems, consultants need special focus in the following areas:
• Core technology skills: Most technology companies try to equip their employees with a variety of technologies and tools. By doing so, they can easily shift people around, based on project contingencies and business needs.
• Team player and team management skills: Almost all IT projects require groups of people to work in a tandem, coordinating the efforts of team members spread across functional, technical, even geographic areas. This is especially true for projects worked for clients in the onsite/offshore model where a few people working at client sites co-ordinate the efforts of their peers halfway across the globe. Personal issues, differences in personalities and other issues have a way of creeping up if not identified and arrested. All members of the projects need to be trained to handle such issues, and communicate fluently and clearly.
• Project, program and systems management: Although project management is a specialised function in most organisations, with specialists working to co-ordinate projects, deadlines, etc; all members of IT teams need to be aware of the basics of project, program and systems management. Having an overview of the business process and the different pieces that need to fit in order to make a project successful, helps each member of the team to work towards the unified goals.
• Communications and cultural sensitivity: One of the most important aspects of working with people involves communication and cultural sensitivity. Communication includes oral, written and non-verbal communication, including body-language etc. This also includes moderating verbal accents and understanding accents of people from across the globe who speak English in different ways!
Most experts suggest that training be considered a continuous process and could involve a mix of some of the ideas suggested. Also, depending on the needs of the situation, specific training packages can be tailored to address the issues involved.
Obviously the points I made a few years ago continue to be an area of focus. And surely this is not going to be the last word.
