Career Advancement Archives

Tech Exec’s Evolving Tech Priorities

Reflecting on my extensive career as a tech executive, I realize there are steps I could have taken differently to accelerate my ascent to tech exec. Early on, I didn’t prioritize this goal—a valuable lesson learned. With greater awareness, perhaps guided by a mentor, I would have recognized sooner that aiming for a tech executive role was a worthy pursuit, which meant evolving tech priorities.

I loved coding, which was one of the main reasons I chose a career in technology. Letting go of something you love is tough. After reaching the tech executive level, I found it challenging to balance my technical interests with new duties. While staying hands-on with coding seemed feasible, it ultimately slowed my growth as a tech exec.

Flexibility is key, and recognizing what you can and cannot do as you transition into a tech executive role.

Transitioning from a technical role to a tech executive role is one of the toughest transitions. Being technical is beneficial, but you must understand the expectations of the tech exec role and decide what tasks to delegate. Evolving tech priorities means letting go of the technical work and focusing on leading and strategizing at the tech executive level?

Firstly, it’s important to understand that as a tech executive, your primary role is no longer just technical expertise. While technical expertise remains important, your primary role is now to lead and steer the organization’s strategy. This means letting go of some technical work and delegating tasks to others on your team. Letting go of control can be tough, especially if you’re used to being the expert in your field. Yet, it’s vital for your growth and success as a tech executive.

Another key aspect of transitioning to a tech executive role is developing strong communication and collaboration skills. In this position, you will need to work with various teams, departments, and stakeholders, all with different goals and perspectives. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for building trust, fostering innovation, and driving successful projects.

It’s also important to remember that being a tech executive is not just about technical knowledge or skills.

Soft skills such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and adaptability play a significant role in your success. These skills can be developed through training, coaching, and mentorship. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance and support from more experienced executives or invest in professional development opportunities.

As a tech executive, understanding the organization’s goals and your role’s place is key.

Align decisions with company strategy, communicate effectively, and think long-term. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends are crucial for staying ahead as a tech exec.

In summary, transitioning to a tech executive role requires a diverse set of skills and qualities. It’s not just about technical knowledge but also about effective communication, collaboration, leadership, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. With dedication and effort, you can successfully make the transition and thrive as a tech executive in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing technology industry. Keep these tips in mind and continue to grow and develop in your role as a tech executive.

Click here to see a post on the expectations of a tech executive – the CIO.

Let Your Talent Shine and Age Will Not Matter

I recently had a conversation with a tech executive about the prevalence of ageism in the tech industry. Despite being in his late 60s, he finds himself unemployed, struggling to secure a new position. He is healthy, energetic, and takes good care of himself, yet he feels his opportunities are being thwarted by his age, judged perhaps by his appearance. My advice to him was to persist, highlighting his extensive tech exec skills and experience. This discussion reminded me of an article I read about Grandma Moses, illustrating that talent and drive can transcend age.

“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”
Grandma Moses

If you haven’t heard of Grandma Moses, she’s a testament to late-blooming talent. A self-taught artist, she began painting at 78 and didn’t stop until she was 101. Now, her art sells for about $1.2 million. Her story shows that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Like her, we can all learn, grow, and achieve greatness, no matter our age. We shouldn’t let societal norms or doubts hold us back. Instead, let’s pursue our passions and aim for growth. As a tech executive, it’s our role to encourage and support this pursuit in others. By acknowledging and nurturing potential, we inspire change and help others achieve their best. Our actions can have a lasting impact, inspiring future generations just as Grandma Moses’ art does.

Tech Exec - Grandma Moses defying ageism in technology

In today’s fast-paced world, we often put pressure on ourselves to achieve success at a young age. Society glorifies the idea of “prodigies” and expects individuals to have their lives figured out at a young age. However, the concept of late-blooming challenges this societal norm and encourages individuals to pursue their passions and talents regardless of their age or circumstances.

Late-blooming extends beyond artistic careers like Grandma Moses’ painting; it’s relevant to a tech executive, entrepreneurship, education, and personal development too. Many successful entrepreneurs, including the founders of KFC and Airbnb, didn’t hit their stride until later in life. Likewise, those pursuing higher education in later years often find significant career satisfaction and success. Late-blooming encourages us to welcome change and seize new opportunities. As we grow older, our views and priorities can shift, unveiling new passions or talents previously unnoticed. It’s always possible to try something new and chase our dreams, even if it means deviating from our original plan. Additionally, late-blooming reminds us that success isn’t time-bound. Achieving our goals and creating a lasting legacy can happen at any age, driven by our determination.

In conclusion, age should never be a barrier to letting your talent shine. Embracing late-blooming allows us to appreciate the distinct path it carves, challenging societal expectations, fostering personal development, and inspiring us to relentlessly pursue our dreams. Therefore, rather than viewing late blooming with apprehension, let’s welcome it with open arms, eager to see where this journey leads us. It might just guide us to our most significant accomplishments. Let’s continue to bloom, regardless of our age, persistently learning, growing, and chasing our passions and capabilities, for age should never hinder success and fulfillment.

Click here for a post on how to hire the top tech talent.

Avoid These Things Climbing the Corporate Ladder

Climbing the corporate ladder in the fast-paced and fiercely competitive technology sector presents a formidable challenge. An aspiring tech executive often looks up to the success narratives of industry leaders for motivation. However, understanding the pitfalls and missteps is equally critical to avoiding career setbacks. This piece delves into insights from a seasoned tech executive, who shares reflections and valuable lessons on strategies to steer clear of in the pursuit of success. While some tactics might appear advantageous at first, they frequently result in regret and obstruct professional growth.

1. Overemphasizing Technical Skills

A common oversight for an aspiring tech executive is the sole focus on honing technical skills, overlooking the importance of soft skills crucial for leadership. One former tech CEO emphasizes, “Achieving success in the tech world isn’t just about your tech know-how; it involves your leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities.”

As a tech exec you must understand the importance of cultivating leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, which are vital for team management, stakeholder relations, and fostering innovation within an organization.

2. Overlooking the Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship

In the network-centric tech industry, neglecting to seek mentors or sponsors is a significant misstep. A tech exec mentor offers career guidance and support, while sponsors can propel your professional journey forward.

Tech luminaries advocate for actively pursuing relationships with mentors and sponsors to navigate the corporate landscape successfully and maximize potential. These connections also offer industry insights and assist in making strategic career decisions.

3. Sacrificing Work-Life Balance

The demanding pace of the tech industry often leads professionals to prioritize work at the expense of personal life, risking burnout and stunting growth. Experts recommend establishing boundaries and dedicating time to personal pursuits, enhancing well-being, productivity, and creativity at work.

4. Ignoring Industry Trends and Innovations

Staying abreast of the latest trends and technological advancements is imperative in the dynamic tech field. Falling behind can mean losing out to competitors and missing opportunities.

Tech professionals should frequent conferences, workshops, and networking events to remain informed. Following industry news and thought leaders on social media are also effective strategies for staying current.

5. Failing to Engage with Stakeholders

Beyond mentors and sponsors, forging strong relationships with internal stakeholders—colleagues, managers, clients, and other departments—is fundamental. Collaboration and effective communication with stakeholders lead to successful projects, career opportunities, and organizational success. Investing time in these relationships and understanding various stakeholder perspectives are key to comprehensive problem-solving.

Conclusion

While technical skills are indispensable in the tech industry, the importance of soft skills for a tech executive climbing the corporate ladder cannot be understated. Developing and refining these skills can carve the path to a rewarding career. Balancing professional and personal life, staying informed about industry changes, and nurturing stakeholder relationships are practices that enhance professional growth in the dynamic tech landscape. Thus, focus not only on technical prowess but also on cultivating soft skills to emerge as a versatile tech professional.

Please click here for a post on what to do to be a successful tech executive.

Please click here for a post on how a tech executive negotiates salary.

Should a Tech Executive Emulate Steve Jobs

I was in a debate with another tech exec about whether Steve Jobs was an effective leader in his capacity as a tech executive. Unquestionably, he was the visionary force propelling Apple to monumental success. Yet, the question of whether he was esteemed by his employees lingers. Is emulating Steve Jobs’ leadership style advisable for today’s tech executives?

Steve Jobs indisputably stood as a visionary leader and a pivotal figure in the tech industry.

His innovative visions, bold choices, and unyielding drive for perfection propelled Apple to its status as one of the world’s most valuable companies. Nonetheless, his leadership approach has sparked debate regarding its impact on employees. While some commend him for his inspirational and motivational prowess, leading his team to achieve unparalleled success, others critique his methods as overly harsh and demanding.

One thing is certain though, Steve Jobs had a clear vision and was not afraid to take risks to achieve it. He had the ability to see the potential in products that others couldn’t and pushed his team to think outside the box. This often led to groundbreaking innovations such as the iPhone and iPad. But at the same time, his perfectionist nature and high expectations could create a tense and stressful work environment for employees. He was known to be demanding and would often challenge his team to push beyond their limits, which could lead to burnout.

So, is Steve Jobs leadership style something that should be emulated by tech executives today?

The answer is not so simple. While his unique approach and relentless drive for perfection may have contributed to Apple’s success, it may not be suitable for every company or team. Each leader has their own style, and what works for one may not work for another. It is important for a tech executive to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and adapt their leadership style accordingly. Some may find inspiration in Steve Jobs’ bold and innovative approach, while others may find success through a more collaborative and inclusive style.

Every tech exec must strike a balance, fostering creativity and productivity in the workplace.

While Steve Jobs’ legacy is inspiring, blindly copying his approach without considering your team’s needs is risky. Tech leadership styles should evolve with the industry to promote success and innovation. Rather than copying Jobs, a tech exec should develop their unique leadership style for sustainable success. Jobs’ leadership at Apple was crucial, but tech leaders should nurture their authentic style. By blending inspiration with adaptability, leaders can drive innovation in tech. While learning from Jobs is valuable, tech execs should carve their paths for success.

Admire Steve Jobs for his boldness, creativity, and determination in navigating technology’s changing realm.

Tech leaders, with openness and adaptability, can shape the industry’s future like Jobs. Let’s honor his legacy as motivation in our leadership journeys. The tech world evolves, but the need for innovative leaders is constant. Learning from Jobs let’s innovate and forge unique paths to success. As a tech executive, we can impact the industry and define its future. Let Jobs’ leadership style inspire us through technology’s changing landscape.

Check out this post on more about tech executive leadership style.

The Humble Tech Executive

It is a common belief that a tech executive needs to have an assertive and confident persona. However, there is a growing conversation around the importance of humble leadership. Humble leadership is not about being timid or lacking confidence. Rather, it is about recognizing one’s limitations and seeking input and feedback from others. It involves acknowledging that no single person has all the answers, and that collaboration is essential for success.

“If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, “He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone.”
Epictetus

In the tech industry, where innovation and disruption are constant, humble leadership can be beneficial in several ways. Here are a few reasons why being a humble leader as a tech executive can be advantageous:

Encourages diversity of thought

Humble leaders recognize that they do not have all the answers and actively seek input from a diverse group of individuals. This approach allows for a variety of perspectives and ideas to be considered, leading to more innovative solutions.

In contrast, an overly confident leader may dismiss different viewpoints, stifling creativity and limiting potential opportunities for growth.

Fosters a culture of learning

Technology is constantly evolving, and being open to learning is crucial for success in the tech industry. Humble leaders are not afraid to admit when they don’t know something and are willing to learn from others.

This mindset can trickle down to the rest of the team, creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Employees will feel encouraged to share their knowledge and ideas without fear of judgment, leading to a more collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Builds trust within the team

Humble leaders are not afraid to show vulnerability and admit when they have made a mistake. This transparency builds trust within the team, as employees feel comfortable sharing their own failures and mistakes.

In contrast, an overly confident leader who refuses to admit fault can create a culture of fear and blame. This kind of atmosphere is detrimental to teamwork and collaboration, hindering progress and growth.

Promotes a healthy work-life balance

Being humble means recognizing that being a good leader does not require sacrificing one’s personal life. Humble leaders understand the importance of work-life balance and prioritize their well-being and the well-being of their employees.

In contrast, an overly confident leader may believe that success can only be achieved through constant sacrifice and long hours at work. This mindset can lead to burnout and high turnover rates, affecting the overall productivity and morale of the team.

Encourages diverse perspectives

Humble leaders understand that they do not have all the answers and actively seek out diverse perspectives. They value input from employees with different backgrounds and experiences, recognizing that diversity leads to better ideas and solutions.

On the other hand, an overly confident leader may only seek out opinions that align with their own and disregard those who challenge their ideas. This can lead to a stagnant and narrow-minded work environment.

Fosters a growth mindset

Humble leaders are open to learning and constantly seeking ways to improve themselves and their team. They view failures as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. This mentality encourages employees to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and continuously strive for improvement.

In contrast, an overly confident leader may view failures as a sign of weakness and discourage risk-taking among their team. This can stifle innovation and hinder progress.

Builds trust and loyalty

Humble leaders create a sense of trust and loyalty within their team by prioritizing transparency, fairness, and humility. They admit their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions, earning the respect and trust of their employees.

An overly confident leader may struggle with admitting fault and may be perceived as arrogant or untrustworthy by their team. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and collaboration within the workplace.

Conclusion

Humble leadership is crucial for a tech exec fostering a positive work culture and an engaged team. It supports diverse perspectives, encourages growth, and builds trust among employees. By embracing humility, a tech executive can create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel. A tech exec must reflect on their mindset and actions, striving to cultivate humility in their leadership. This is key to creating a thriving work environment. Embrace humble leadership for success. As the saying goes, “humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.“

See this post about the viability of Steve Jobs’ leadership style today.