May 2023

Should You Reprimand

Here’s another reason for tech execs to get to know their employees better. ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder often associated with children and young adults, can persist into adulthood. If an employee consistently struggles with task completion, punctuality, and presenting content, they may be dealing with ADHD.

ADHD impairs executive function and self-regulation skills. It’s a common affliction but having it doesn’t mean an employee can’t excel. Recognition and a supportive environment are crucial for success. Employees may be unaware they have the disorder, but signs like difficulty concentrating, staying organized, and managing time are noticeable. It affects work and personal life.

Why is this important for a tech exec to understand? It was shown that many kids doing school virtually during the pandemic saw a significant drop in their GPA, even though these kids were top students. It was shown that many of these kids did not have peer stimulation, which helped them stay focused when they were live in school. Without the stimulation they could not pay attention and were easily distracted.

Now that the work world is in a hybrid environment, many employees still work virtually. Some tech execs want to bring people back to the office due to observed drops in performance. Instead of immediate disciplinary actions, consider their past history with the company. If they were previously good workers, they may not be suitable for the virtual world. Bring them into the office to engage with others and enhance their performance.

We don’t want employees using ADHD as an excuse for poor performance. But it’s something to consider before disciplining an employee who has had a good record of performance.

See more about ADHD here.

Legacy Mainframe Environment

Today, tech execs are concerned about the mainframe computer application code. Many companies have had mainframe computers since the 70s and 80s. Large companies, particularly in insurance and finance, built applications during that time that still run on mainframes now. These applications consist of mostly COBOL code, with millions of lines.

SIDE NOTE: COBOL is the oldest still used programming language, developed in 1959. The only other language even close in age is C, which was developed in the early 70’s.

Today’s mainframe computers have powerful processors and seamlessly run COBOL applications alongside Docker containers. Tech executives face challenges with complex COBOL, PL/1, and Assembler code, as well as managing decades of data in diverse environments like DB2, MySQL, and Oracle. We’ll discuss data in a future post.

Mainframe applications have long been vital for enterprise business processing. They were game-changers, and still handle key workloads effectively. However, the drive to convert or move these applications has been slow. Today, tech execs face fierce competition in aggressive markets. Outdated systems hinder companies from keeping up with innovative rivals. Cloud computing enables competitors to invest in new systems without hardware burdens. Consequently, older companies face disadvantages and must modernize their legacy application environment. The three reasons for this transformation are:

Agility: Companies need IT systems that can be updated for functional processing requirements in a timelier manner. Shorter development cycles are a must for organizations to keep pace.
Cost: The mainframe is the costliest computer available. In many organizations, it’s also difficult and time consuming to maintain. The complexity of the code and data environments makes keeping the systems up and running difficult. Modern cloud technologies offer a significant reduction in cost of ownership.
Risk: Knowledge of legacy environments is fading away as programmers who developed this code many years ago retire. Skills in COBOL, PL/1, CICS, etc. are becoming scarce, making managing the applications and responding to major incidences more challenging.

To remain competitive, organizations must tackle legacy mainframe systems. The transformation should uncover the current state and map out an ideal future state. Develop a value proposition with a total cost of ownership analysis for transitioning to the cloud. When it comes to maintaining the mainframe and harnessing the power of the cloud, it’s worth considering strategies from industry leaders like IBM. Take into account the costs of migration and retooling, but also weigh them against the benefits of ownership. Furthermore, take the time to explore the numerous advantages that cloud computing has to offer.

Click here for a post on deciding whether to move from AS400’s or not.

Key Tech Exec Skills – Coaching

The successful tech exec mentors junior colleagues, passing on skills acquired. Building a successful succession leads to respect and reputation as an accomplished technology executive.

Coaching is a vital skill for technology executives to learn and embrace. Some execs reach a stage in their career where they consider mentoring beneath them, but it should never be the case. Stay humble and maintain an open-door policy. Avoid intimidating your team; instead, be seen as someone who is eager to mentor and support their growth. Everyone strives for success, and your subordinates will respect you if you invest time in helping them.

Bottom line, really successful technology execs take the time to mentor and provide guidance to their teams. Making sure that your up-and-coming leaders are aligned with your way of thinking and operating will allow you to develop a strong and empower leadership team.

Key Tech Executive Skills – Presentation and Communication

To excel and attract attention for a technical executive position, what skills can you refine as you advance in your career? Key among them are presentation and communication abilities. Observe that the most accomplished tech executives exude ease when addressing audiences on diverse subjects. They project confidence in conveying their message and remain composed even when faced with presentation hiccups.

Witnessing a tech exec confidently take the stage may seem impressive, yet their ease comes from years of refining their presentation skills through trial and error. It’s not ordinary to feel at ease speaking in front of a crowd; even seasoned speakers find it nerve-wracking. The scrutiny that comes from public speaking is something one never fully adapts to. Nevertheless, with practice, one becomes more adept at conveying messages effectively, regardless of their nature.

As you progress in your career, seize every opportunity to showcase and enhance your abilities. Though it may feel daunting, early on, you have room to make mistakes without severe judgment. Receiving leadership feedback on areas for improvement is invaluable for your growth. The more you engage in presentations and refine your communication skills, the more proficient you will become.

Utilize internal company training programs or consider organizations like Toastmasters, known for enhancing presentation skills. Additionally, consider refining your presentation style. Mastering the art of crafting a compelling script that effectively conveys a message is a challenging yet valuable skill to acquire. While delivering a PowerPoint presentation competently is beneficial, the ability to pinpoint key messages and captivate your audience is an intricate skill that requires dedication. Those who excel in this skill will achieve significant success.

Click here on more about developing tech executive leadership skills.

First Interview – what do you wear?

Choosing attire for your initial job interview can be perplexing. Suggestions from peers vary widely: opt for casual attire in the tech field, don a suit and tie for banking roles, embrace a laid-back look for contemporary offices, or opt for formal dress for a conventional approach. It’s no wonder that many job seekers feel unsure about what to wear for their initial job interview.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to what to wear for a job interview. The attire you choose should be based on the company culture, industry, and position you are interviewing for. However, there are some general guidelines that can help steer you in the right direction.

First and foremost, it is important to do your research on the company before your interview.

This will give you an idea of their dress code and company culture. If they have a website or social media presence, take a look at photos of employees to get a sense of how they typically dress. You can also reach out to your network or contact someone within the company to get a better understanding of what to wear expectations.

If the company has a more traditional or corporate culture, it is best to stick with a classic and professional look.

This means opting for a tailored suit or dress in neutral colors such as black, navy, or gray. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or revealing, as it can be seen as inappropriate in this type of environment.

For more casual industries such as tech startups or creative companies, you have more leeway in your attire.

However, it is still important to make a good impression by dressing professionally. A good rule of thumb is to dress one step above what employees typically wear on a daily basis. For example, if employees usually wear jeans and t-shirts, opt for business casual attire like slacks and a button-down shirt.

In addition to the type of attire, it is also important to consider the fit and quality of your clothing. Ill-fitting or cheap clothing can give off a negative impression, so make sure your clothes are well-tailored and made from quality materials.

It’s also crucial to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. If you’re constantly tugging at your outfit or worrying about a low neckline, it can affect your confidence and performance in the workplace. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and professional.

Another tip is to invest in versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. This not only saves money, but also allows you to have a variety of options without needing a huge wardrobe.

Don’t forget about accessories as well. A simple watch or necklace can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit. Just make sure not to go overboard with jewelry or other accessories, as it may come across as distracting or unprofessional.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of good grooming. Make sure your hair is neat and styled, and your nails are clean and trimmed. These small details can make a big difference in how put-together you appear.

In conclusion, dressing professionally for work is crucial for making a good impression and projecting confidence. Remember to keep it simple, tailored, and versatile, with a touch of personal style and proper grooming. With these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate the world of work attire and dress for success.

Click here to see a post about your first job interview and what to expect.