The Top Three Problems IT Managers Face and How to Overcome Them

Todays business environment has changed drastically from just a few years back. Rather than working exclusively with equipment, data, and systems, todays IT managers face issues such as cross training, personnel management, interdepartmental communication, and a widening job scope for all IT employees.

This expansion of the IT job realm has left many IT managers juggling new challenges. While the problems, in and of themselves, might appear overwhelming, there are simple, proven ways to rise above them.

Problem #1 - Tough Data Flow

Information often flows irregularly and is subject to quantitatively strong fluctuations. These fluctuations can become detrimental if not dealt with. The simple solution is to control the information.

Officially, information controlling is the analysis, evaluation, and importance attached to the electronic data that is collected and provided with the data under various criteria.

To achieve this, start by making employees aware of the importance of the data they help to gather. Encourage accuracy and demonstrate to employees how their active participation in the process can reap rewards they might not have thought of.

Because your job as IT manager will continue to get more and more hectic, youll want to continually look for ways to improve speed and quality while reducing rising costs.

Problem #2 - Rising Costs

Rising costs are a challenge for any manager. They are especially troubling to an IT manager working in the electronic data processing area.

Industry experts show that, despite various "old systems" existing, resources are only used at about 30% of their optimal performance. This leaves room for 70% improvement without an excessive outlay of cash.

To increase ROI using existing resources, consider:

  • Conducting a survey of departments. Ask what their primary challenges are with the existing systems. The majority of the time the solutions lie within untapped features of existing resources. Search the systems for solutions and provide them.

  • Getting clear definitions of problems. Oftentimes, employees may not know how to communicate the problems they face in IT language. This may relate to an ill-suited solution. Take time to work with employees or department heads to clearly outline challenges so you are equipped to find solutions more quickly and accurately.

  • Looking for ways to integrate. A smooth flow of information always increases productivity. When possible, work to find ways to integrate existing systems. With a little ingenuity on your part, and a little creativity, you can develop solutions without budget increases.

    Problem #3 - Insufficient Sensitivity Concerning Data Security

    As the complexity of electronic data processing increases, security often decreases. Not only does this pose problems in the form of breaches, it also has legal ramifications with regard to licenses.

    From healthcare companies to financial organizations, the US government is cracking down on lax security. The smart IT manager is taking steps now to not only stress the importance of security to those in his/her company, but to also instill the necessary protective measures.

    To help others within your organization understand how sensitive certain data is, create a memo or site page explaining:

    • what security measures are currently in place,

    • why these measures exist,

    • the consequences (internally and externally) for not following security procedures, and

    • whom to contact with questions/issues regarding security.

    Although an IT managers job is continually evolving and becoming more challenging, there are ways to overcome pressing problems. By looking at each situation from a variety of angles, youll be able to define problems quickly and accurately, and then offer solutions that will benefit you, your team, and your entire company.

    About The Author

    Frank Schmidt is a seasoned Management Consultant. Over the past 12 years he has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies to assist other managers improve success ratios and performance within their organizations. Visit his site http://www.geniusone.com today for additional details.

    FrankSchmidt@GeniusOne.com

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Selecting a Business Broker or Intermediary to Help You Sell Your Business

    As crazy as it seems, some people spend more time... Read More

    Manage Your Business from the Rockies, not the Prairies

    The day job as a manager is all about managing... Read More

    Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Providing Career Opportunity

    This article relates to the Career Opportunity competency, commonly evaluated... Read More

    How to Manage Your People Well: Tips for Managers of Training

    As a training manager, there are two important aspects to... Read More

    Humor in Business

    With the advancement of computer simulators, anybody can repeat all... Read More

    Innovation Management ? Reducing Hierarchy

    Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

    More Problem-Solving Success Tips

    The ability to solve complicated problems quickly is more important... Read More

    Selecting A Collection Agency

    If you run a business, you are sure to have... Read More

    Plans & Goal Setting - Kicking winning Goals

    Kicking Winning Business Goals The competition for business... Read More

    Organizational Capital in Politics, War, Sports and Business

    Intangible Corporate Assets such as Organizational Capital, Blue Sky and... Read More

    Power of Pinpointing Accountability

    I have always said that if I were to write... Read More

    Test Your Hiring IQ

    The purpose of any selection process is to discriminate (albeit... Read More

    Innovation Management ? idea selection, development and commercialisation, what are the differences?

    Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

    Policy & Procedure Manuals - Tools For Greater Productivity and Efficiency

    In today's tough retail environment the retailer needs all the... Read More

    Check Your Communication Skills

    Use this check list to assess your communication skills.Focus* Do... Read More

    How to Build Your Business and Still Take Time Off

    We all know people who are like human dynamos. They... Read More

    Keeping and Motivating the Best Employees

    Keeping and Motivating the Best Employees ... Read More

    What Every Manager Should Know About How to Overcome Boredom

    Do you find yourself easily becoming bored or tired at... Read More

    What Makes a Good Appraisal Interview?

    WHAT MAKES A GOOD APPRAISAL INTERVIEW?Here is a tip for... Read More

    Three Foundation Stones for Building Organizational Integrity

    When the stock market crashed in 1929, there were a... Read More

    IT Expenditure - Why Businesses Spend Huge Amounts on Ineffective IT Investments

    Another IT White Elephant!It seems that almost every day we... Read More

    Re-Discovery Procedures for Building Effective Management Systems: Phase V

    Now we turn the corner to our final phase: Re-Discovery.Last... Read More

    Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Senior Management and Directional Change

    This article relates to the Senior/Top Level management of an... Read More

    The New Five Truths of Employee Motivation

    Motivation is a term that is so widely used, yet... Read More

    Auditing Improves Effective Planning

    Speak of operations assessment, and we'll hear its significant value.... Read More

    How To Jump Start Your Profits and Keep Your Profits Rolling

    There are so many ways to jump start your prifits... Read More

    Behavioral Extensions and Its Implications at Workplaces

    The study of Behavioral extension involves investigating the source of... Read More

    Few Things Are More Destructive Than An Insecure Boss

    Few things are more destructive to a career than a... Read More

    Is It Worth To Outsource? How One Can Outsource Wisely

    Recent trends in software development market show that it is... Read More

    Interviewing Applicants Can Be Hazardous to Your Wealth

    1st Fact: Interviewing applicants is the most common way companies... Read More

    Procrastination and JDI!

    In a management role procrastination can seriously hold back progress... Read More

    Make Them GLAD Youre Their Boss

    Criticism has the power to do good when there is... Read More

    Leadership Skills Means Turnover is Not a Problem

    "Ha!" you say. "For someone to make a statement like... Read More