Promotion

It's official: I'm now the Technical Services Director! I've moved up from my station as Senior System Engineer and am now fully responsible for the management, oversight, and direction of the data center and all systems and services consumed by our employees and clients. I've been acting in this role for some time; now it's on paper and recognized. Hard work really does pay off.

So, despite the fact that today's post isn't specifically a technical one, I thought it important to shed some light on the softer points that folks in our field need to consider in the event they wish to elevate themselves, either on the most auspicious of corporate ladders or in any capacity they see fit (pay attention future entrepreneurs!). The notions below are my own, borne of experiences growing up and in the field. This is in no way a comprehensive list, nor is it ordered in any preference, but I don't think one can succeed without a fair mix of all of them.

Hard Work
Everything your parents, grandparents, and cranky neighbor told you is true: luck, good looks, or brains are no substitute for hard work. When others see your blood, sweat, and tears, they see character. You also get to revel in the results of your labor.

Patience
Without a doubt, patience is a virtue. And not one endowed on everyone. Regardless, developing patience can be of benefit in all situations be it listening to an impassioned (read rude) client, seeing a project through its bumps and scope creep, or driving towards that moment the CEO confirms your new position!

Seize Opportunity
That being said (regarding patience), one cannot always sit around waiting patiently; grab opportunity when it comes around and make the most of it. Per Louis Pateur, chance favors the prepared mind (See Ma? It's not just icky mold!). Judge for yourself.

Reflection
Try to understand people, their needs, and their desires. It's not easy, but it starts with reflection. If you know yourself and what you strive for, it helps to clarify what others are looking for and determines how you treat them. Remember, leaders work with people, and deal with problems, not the other way around.

Structure and Bureaucracy
This isn't so much a personal point as a mention of the inescapable fact that one will always deal with preexisting structure and bureaucracy. Work your channels before attempting to subvert them. This is similar to Mom's dinnertime admonishment, "How do you know you don't like them unless you try them?" I now love peas, by the way. The only way to make change is to try a system and define its weaknesses. Sometimes, just sometimes, a particular system will work. And using it will make it stronger. When you do subvert a system, do it for the right reasons.

Translation
I love languages as much for their utility as their ability to illuminate our commonality and way of thinking, if only expressed in different ways. Not everyone understands IT like you do. And they certainly aren't hip to all the jargon that you rattle off with your buddies in chat sessions or in blogs. Folks know they have a job to get done and would like to use technology to make their lives easier. The onus is on you to understand what they need (see 'Reflection') and translate that into tech. Define the problem and find the solution that fits. Remember, you know the difference between 2.7GHz quad-core processor and a flux capacitor, but you may know squat about large cap investment portfolios or kitty litter widgets. You're part of a team where everyone participates and works together.

Make Technology Work for the End-user
I'll lay down the gauntlet here. The days of the notion of "lusers" or employees with that 'ID-10-T' error are over. Folks are savvier than you think but still rely on you for their technology needs. Make it work for them, don't give them a laundry list of hoops they need to jump through just to sign on to the corporate webmail site. Remember, software is malleable (it is soft) and can be updated to fit users' needs.

Strive to Improve
It goes without saying that technology is always moving and improving. So should you. Stay on top of your game. Take the 30 minutes to read Slashdot (or the occasional blog, ahem!) to glean any useful information on what's out there. Don't hesitate to look at other fields as well. Great strides in our history have been achieved by folks whose varied interests lent valuable insight into seemingly unrelated areas of study and research. In fact, the various 3-letter agencies in the U.S have come around to the notion that it helps to create a team of multiple talents to tackle tough problems and they actively seek out diversified candidates. So, get a hobby. I brew beer and grill with peppers (Bobby Flay ain't got nuthin' on me!).

Finally, a skill that can help assuage the constant flood of problems and fires to fight:

Time Management
I don't know if this is something one ever masters. I've learned a few tips and tricks from folks and developed my own. Everyone prioritizes work differently. I'm not David Allen so I won't espouse any given system, "proven" or otherwise; you've got to find what works for you and stick to it. Whatever you do, be sure not to forget to make your life a priority (remember the hobby!). You'll be more effective and more productive in the long run.

Most importantly, realize that these are just my thoughts based on my accrued knowledge, experience, and late nights at the bar with buddies (aka my support group). As you grow, your focus will invariably shift and what's important or relevant today will assuredly not be so tomorrow. Find your own path and don't let anyone or anything stop you from reaching your goals.

And eat your peas.