What is the difference between an IT worker and an IT leader?

IT work is a unique experience. This field is a great place to work. They are always at the forefront of technology and can rely on systems that only the elite can dream of. This is a dream job, but it can be easy to get complacent due to the complexity involved.
While it is fine to love the current position, there are some issues. IT departments need leaders. Yet, so many people refuse to take this role. These simple tips will help you get to the top if you believe you are up for the challenge.
Leaders don’t hesitate to speak up…
A leader must be able to think up and implement new ideas. If you are unable to influence a company’s direction regarding a project, you are not leading correctly. This means you will need to be able to recognize when it is appropriate to speak up on a particular issue.
CIO Insight’s study found that 40% of respondents said their company did not have a disaster recovery plan. And 40% said they test their plan once a year. This means that more than two-thirds (or three quarters) of IT workers believe their organization could shut down in the event of a disaster.
Yet, the majority of respondents said that they have experienced outages in critical applications in recent times. This means that, despite the fact that most people saw a problem in the past, very few or none of them did anything to fix it.
It is amazing how many DR plans fail. It is vital that someone is available to speak up in the office. Although no one wants to be the one to address the elephant in a room, it is essential that it does so before it causes harm to everyone. It is up to you, therefore, to identify areas where your company can improve and to communicate this information to the right people.
No one likes a “know-it-all” and patronizingly pointing out problems is one of the best ways to be ignored. Try to avoid this by using the “we language.” Instead of saying “Your department needs to rethink disaster recovery solutions,” you can say “We are facing major downtime” instead.
They know when to stop talking, and when to listen
While speaking up is important, it is equally important to be able to shut your mouth and learn something. A boss is someone who gives orders regardless of what their subordinates say. A leader is someone who gives direction but is open to the possibility of them being wrong.
“A leader is someone who gives direction but is open to the possibility of them being wrong.”
You must understand that you don’t know everything if you want to be a leader. You must also accept the fact that you may not be as good as your peers or subordinates while in a leadership role. These people are talented and smart, and they wouldn’t be working for your company if they weren’t. Your company’s success can be ensured by making use of all resources. Listen to what others have to say.
Integrity is the key
Similar to the previous point, a leader who sets an example for others is a great leader. Being honest and upstanding is the best way to achieve this. According to the World Economic Forum, integrity is one of the most important aspects of leadership.
Respect and integrity are key to being an example to your peers and helping you to get promoted. It will depend on what your position is, but it may be as simple and straightforward as completing assignments before they are due or admitting that you made a mistake.
Never stop learning
IT is one the fastest growing fields in the world. However, it can also be very challenging for those who work within the sector. Technology professionals need to be highly trained in order to get their job. However, to keep it and advance to a leadership position requires constant education.
Most people who work full-time don’t have the money or time to go back to school. Education comes in many forms and IT certification courses can be very beneficial to those who work in IT. These classes are designed for you to keep up-to-date on the latest innovations and they’re cheaper and faster than traditional college courses. The list of New Horizon courses are so diverse that almost everyone can find the right course for them.
Contact New Horizons today if you are looking to elevate your leadership skills!