Great IT Company
How do you create a great IT Company? Do you feel like your IT Firm or technology team are at times falling short of their potential? Let’s dive into the core attributes that make ordinary IT companies, exceptional IT companies.
The core components to effective team development.
- Great IT People do make great IT Companies
- Align an individual’s competencies with their responsibilities
- Provide support and make changes if needed
The Full Scoop
Many years ago, in a galaxy very close to home, a good friend called me for some help. He had been studying web design and had been hired by a local Tampa business to make changes to their website. This is a skill set he had been working on developing, and he was very excited about having a new opportunity in technology, there was only one problem… he could not code.
I mean he really, really, really didn’t understand web design or web programming. This good friend had very limited experience working on computers, add to that the need to understand web servers, HTML, JavaScript, file paths, etc; it just wasn’t happening. I can remember trying to help him at his apartment, and doing much of the work for him. While I didn’t want him to lose this opportunity, coding for him wasn’t helping. We had done this many times, had phone calls, I’d provide snippets and examples; it just wasn’t his thing. I couldn’t ‘make him’ a great IT Company, I could train and encourage; but he had to provide the rest.
Strengths Finder
Years ago a book came out, StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. In it Tom explains, we shouldn’t try to fix our flaws; instead we should go all in on developing our strengths. When I read it, I’ll admit, I didn’t entirely agree with all of his positions on personal development. What about Rocky?!?! What if Rocky had given up at boxing and stuck with Paulie at the meat packing plant? Only focus on your strengths, how un-American!
Well, there needs to be a balance; right? While we don’t give up on something, just because we are failing, that does not mean we cannot become great. We have found that employees need three things to thrive; Competency in a subject matter, Motivation, and Training.
What you don’t have in one area, needs to be made up for in the other. I have met engineers who were not well trained – but they were so incredibly motivated, and competent, that they could figure out any challenge thrown at them.
Motivation
On the other hand, I have met individuals working on IT Helpdesk’s who have had exceptional amounts of training (you could even have solutions scripted out for them); but a lack of motivation and competency, just made it not work. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink
On an individual level, we want to see that someone is self-motivated, competent in an area and trained. If they come in the door without all the skills they need, fine – not a deal breaker. An aptitude to learn, desire and a schoolroom of opportunity can do wonders. Some of our best engineers and technicians, started off with positive attitudes and a desire to learn and grow; and they flourished. Then they collectively help make Great IT Companies.
Great individuals make up great teams and companies. When someone is struggling to perform, identify where the core issues reside. Is it a motivation issue, hopefully not – that is a near impossible one to fix. Is it a training or process delivery issue, we can solve that. If an individual possesses competency, is well motivated, and has undergone training, it may be necessary to identify areas within the team where they can thrive. However, in unfortunate instances, the best decision might involve parting ways. It is crucial not to impede the progress of the broader team and company due to an individual’s mismatch with their position.
Fizen™
As you focus on the core elements that make a team member successful, avoid casting blame or rushing to judgement. Failures within an IT Business are often the result of many conflicting issues, not just one problem and not just one person. Proactively seek out and engage in open discussions with your team about their core competencies. Your organization will start experiencing remarkable successes by actively ensuring that your team is self-motivated and well-trained.
Great People (with the right tools and preparation) make for a Great IT Company. Contact us as you have questions, we are here to help.