ALT-1 From Programmer to it Manager Making the Transition
There is a reason why managers are generally given more status and power within an organization than other lower-level employees. Managers require a profound understanding of the field and many of the sub-disciplines within their particular department. As information technology continues to expand as a field, more managers are required to effectively transmit their knowledge to a wider base of trainees.
Making the transition from a computer programmer to an IT Manager is complicated on a variety of different levels. For one, programming positions require more technical knowledge. Additionally, programmers are often given set guidelines prepared by upper management in terms of company objectives that they will then produce.
Although management positions require far less technical work on a day-to-day basis, managers are required to fall back on their extensive knowledge of technical processes and procedures in order to efficiently delegate tasks among their employees and appropriately instruct said employees on how to go about doing these tasks. Although each position will include unique situations, if you are making the transition from programmer to manager, consider refreshing your knowledge of some of the broader aspects of your field to give you a well-rounded base from which to draw judgments, solutions, and conclusions for your employees.
Management also demands much more developed time management and communication skills, so brush up on your ability to truly listen to your employees and co-workers. A good leader must take into consideration the needs of his or her followers in order to be successful. When a manager listens to his or her employees, he will garner respect from them, and possible increase his or her understanding of his colleague's concerns.
Overall, if you are considering making the transition from programmer to IT manager, the most important thing to remember is that this change requires a broadening of your horizons, to some degree. As a programmer, daily tasks are often routine, structured, and extremely focused in nature; but as a manager, you will be required to actively take part in a wide variety of different technical situations, and you will need to be sure that you knowledge base covers this expanded responsibility.
