Lecture Notes: Tips for Success in IT Leadership

Introduction

• Speaker: Michael Stamper
• Background: Adjunct professor at West Los Angeles College since 2009, 15 years of IT leadership experience.
• Context: Advice given before moving to a Chief Information Officer position at Washington State University.

Key Aspects of Successful IT Leadership

1. Good Communication Skills
2. Great Technical Knowledge
3. Creating Efficiency

Detailed Breakdown

1. Technical Knowledge

• Importance: Foundation for IT leadership.
• Education & Certification:
  • Degrees: Computer networking, system security, web support, database management.
  • Certificates:
    • Cisco
    • Microsoft
    • CompTIA
    • AppleCare
    • Oracle databases
    • VMware
• Purpose: Demonstrates expertise and commitment to technology and industry-specific skills.

2. Communication Skills

• Challenge: Often difficult for tech-focused individuals.
• Importance: Essential for success in IT leadership.
• Focus Areas:
  • Explain the 'how', 'when', and 'why'.
  • Establish business communication practices and policies.

3. Accountability

• Common Complaint: IT departments not fulfilling commitments.
• Definition: Doing what you say, when you say you will do it.
• Critical Element: Builds trust and reliability.

4. Efficiency

• Resources Available:
  • ITIL: Information Technology Infrastructure Library
  • ITSM: Information Technology Service Management
  • PMP: Project Management Professional Certification
• Benefits:
  • Boosts career and department efficiency.
  • Provides standard tools, techniques, and business processes.
  • Proven success across many organizations globally.

Conclusion

• Combining technical skills, communication, accountability, and efficiency leads to success as an IT leader.
• Encouragement: Good luck on your journey to becoming a successful IT leader.