Non-Tech Skills to Look for in Tech Workers
Being Accountable
Beware of employees who are always “asking for an extension” on a deadline. You can tell them that while this probably worked in college, it’s not acceptable in the real world.
Collaborating as a Team Member
Few employees succeed as solo acts. When interviewing, find out what candidates have done to add value to a group. Give bonus points if they did so for an initiative with the business side.
Writing Emails/Memos That Look Professional
Well-rounded tech employees realize that attention to detail matters. Before sending an email or memo, they check spelling and grammar. They don’t use texting ‘shortcuts.’ They’re concise, while presenting clearly defined ideas.
Staying Flexible
Given the rapid shifts of business and technology, IT pros must quickly shift gears on projects, immediately adapting to new concepts and goals.
Interacting Pleasantly
We recognize that not all tech folks are social butterflies. But they should treat others in a civil–if not friendly or even engaging–manner. After all, you don’t want an IT department full of moody, aloof hermits.
Solving Problems
As a team exercise, you may want to introduce puzzle-based contests, to encourage IT staffers to come up with new ways to respond to intriguing challenges.
Keeping Cool
Sure, a tech department can get tense when chaos ensues. But high performers understand how to lead by example by remaining calm and focused under duress.
Observing Critically
It’s not enough to gather and report on data–IT employees should ‘see’ the stories within the metrics which will reveal game-changing, actionable patterns and trends.
Dressing the Part
Yes, there are plenty of days in which jeans and T-shirts are the norm. And that’s fine. But when key stakeholders, outside partners and clients are in the office, team members should know they need to wear business-appropriate attire.
Committing to Integrity
Without integrity, an employee will never acquire the most important ‘asset’ that CIOs and colleagues seek: trust, which is the mortar that holds an IT department together.
