Being a Tech Exec Mentoring Pages

Tech Executives Can’t Know Everything

Tech executives face a formidable challenge: staying informed about technological advancements’ impacts on their businesses while evaluating their alignment with business needs and competitors. This task is complicated by the growing complexity of the landscape. The reality is, no tech executive can know everything.

As a tech executive, it’s impossible to know it all. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and this pace will only continue to accelerate. It’s akin to refueling a plane mid-takeoff. The best strategy is to surround yourself with knowledgeable individuals who are experts in various tech domains such as cloud computing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, application development, and testing. Yet, everything is evolving right before our eyes.

It’s crucial for tech executives to maintain humility.

Many leaders I encounter express confidence, saying, “I’ve been in this industry for years and know my stuff.” While true, understanding new technologies and how to apply them to modern environments is vital and challenging. A senior IT professional can’t know everything, but past experience can certainly be valuable. Nonetheless, you need specialists in various technology fields to collaborate with you and keep you up to date. They can provide insight into new trends, technologies, and potential use cases that may benefit your organization.

One way to stay informed is by attending industry conferences and networking events. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to connect with other tech executives and learn about the latest advancements in technology. It’s also an excellent opportunity to collaborate with others and exchange ideas on how to leverage technology for business success.

Another important aspect of staying informed is continuously learning and upskilling.

As a tech executive, it’s essential to invest time and resources in developing your knowledge in emerging technologies. This not only helps you make more informed decisions but also sets an example for your team members to continuously learn and grow. You can also encourage your team to attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to gain new skills and stay updated with industry trends.

In addition to attending events and upskilling, leveraging technology itself can help you stay informed. Technology platforms such as social media, online forums, and podcasts offer a wealth of information on the latest tech developments. Curating a list of reliable sources and regularly checking them can keep you updated without overloading yourself with information.

Ultimately, staying informed as a tech executive is an ongoing process that requires humility, collaboration, continuous learning, and leveraging technology. It’s not about knowing everything but rather having the right knowledge at the right time to make strategic decisions for your business.

Click here to see a post on why it’s important to continually innovate.

Ensure a Diverse Workforce for Success

We’ve already discussed the importance of diverse perspectives for tech executives, as they provide a broader view on issues. A diverse workforce is beneficial. Opposites attract, and when it comes to business, diversity is a crucial factor for success. Whether in terms of race, gender, age, or background, having a diverse team brings different experiences and ideas to the table.

It’s not just about checking off boxes and meeting quotas; it’s about creating an inclusive environment that values different viewpoints and promotes collaboration. Studies have shown that diverse teams are more innovative and make better decisions. This is because they can identify blind spots and consider multiple perspectives before making important choices.

Diversity also plays a significant role in attracting top talent.

In today’s competitive job market, candidates are looking for companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion. By fostering a diverse workplace culture, tech executives can attract and retain top talent from various backgrounds, leading to a more dynamic and successful team.

Additionally, diversity brings about empathy and understanding within the company. When people from different backgrounds work together, they learn to appreciate each other’s unique experiences and viewpoints. This leads to better communication, teamwork, and ultimately, a stronger company culture.

However, achieving diversity in the workplace is not always easy. It requires commitment and intentional efforts from leadership to promote inclusivity and create opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups. Tech executives must actively seek out diverse candidates for hiring and provide equal opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Moreover, it’s essential to foster an inclusive environment where all employees feel comfortable and valued. This can be achieved through diversity training, creating open and honest communication channels, and implementing fair policies and practices.

In conclusion, while opposites may attract in personal relationships, a diverse workforce diversity is crucial for business success. Tech executives must recognize the value of diverse perspectives and actively work towards promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. By doing so, they can bring about innovation, attract top talent, and create a stronger company culture that benefits everyone involved.

Click here for a post on diversity equity and inclusion.

Understanding Body Language

I just returned from a face-to-face meeting with a client tech exec, and it feels fantastic to be engaging with clients in person again. One key insight I’ve gained from these meetings is the significance of non-verbal communication that we missed out on during virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom, Teams, or Webex. The subtle cues conveyed through body language can greatly impact our understanding and connection with clients.

Our meetings follow a hybrid format, with some joining remotely while others attend in person.

During a recent session, I noticed an interesting dynamic between our technical Partner, who participated via Zoom, and the client. Being in the room provided unique insights that might have gone unnoticed. The Partner heavily relied on technical jargon to explain the proposed work, but it seemed that the audience was unresponsive. Every time technology acronyms were mentioned, the CIO subtly flinched and rolled his eyes. These reactions were evident to those present in the room.

Providing some context, we are currently developing a comprehensive “resiliency offering” that consolidates various concepts into a unified approach. It aims to address a wide range of challenges, while avoiding overemphasizing the offering for specific client needs like a DevOps platform assessment. Effective positioning is key. Resiliency encompasses incident management, site reliability engineering, disaster recovery, and more, all seamlessly integrated for uninterrupted service and consulting support. However, presenting this approach simply and without unnecessary complexity is vital. The client’s reaction is understandable; they believed we intentionally bundled and complicated components, potentially inflating costs.

Fortunately, the subtle expressions of disbelief did not go unnoticed, leading to a sincere and candid discussion with the Chief Information Officer during our dinner. Ultimately, we reached a consensus to shift our attention towards the core issue at hand and break down the aspects of resilience into manageable components that align with the client’s objectives.

The essential goal is to convey your tech expertise in a manner that resonates with the client’s business needs. Tailor your discussions to their specific challenges. Rather than presuming the client will be impressed by our knowledge, concentrate on addressing their issues and offering solutions. Observing body language can guide you in aligning the conversation or correcting any misunderstandings.

Click here for a post on handling miscommunication with clients.

As a Tech Exec, Your Reputation Counts

Becoming a tech exec is the ultimate achievement after years of diligently crafting and enhancing your reputation. Your reputation holds significant value, serving as a cornerstone for your career and personal brand. Your reputation counts.

As an influential leader, you have the talent to foster teams, stay updated with technology, and collaborate seamlessly with peers and executives. Your dedicated efforts have built an esteemed reputation, but it’s crucial to recognize the potential consequences of a misstep that could jeopardize all you’ve achieved.

Being mindful of organizational circumstances is crucial.

In hierarchical companies, leaders closely monitor progress, resulting in less career impact. However, in flat organizations like the Big 4, changing teams or roles carries significant risks that can affect reputation.

Imagine this: You’re a tech executive in a leading Cyber Advisory team at a renowned Big 4 company. With a strong software engineering background, you excel in sales and delivering Cyber services. Now, you eagerly showcase your expertise to enhance software consulting. They show interest and smoothly transition you into the Consulting Cloud Engineering team.

Transitioning into consulting without a network can the new leadership team may not actively seek your involvement, making connections and obtaining work more difficult.

Facing a challenging situation, you take charge of a less glamorous assignment outside your expertise. With confidence, you step up. But the project quickly becomes unexpectedly complex as personalities clash. It turns out to be a disastrous first assignment in Consulting. While the client’s responsible Partner acknowledges it’s not your fault, the Consulting Partner who assigned you disagrees.

The Consulting leadership team doubts your capabilities due to your departure announcement. Consequently, they won’t assign you any projects, heightening your desperation to secure a critical one. Meeting your annual targets depends on it. The situation grows more dire.

At some point, you face a tough choice: leave or risk being forced out. It’s disheartening, especially without a support system. Despite your experience, the leadership prioritizes only immediate outcomes. If you had faced a similar situation in the Cyber team, you would have received the necessary support to overcome this setback and transition to your next success.

Exercise caution and exercise prudence in thoroughly assessing new assignments before taking the leap. While you may possess confidence in your abilities, the unexpected can always occur. Your reputation counts and you don’t want to damage it with a misstep.

Click here for a post on moving from a corporate position to consulting.

Have a Backup Plan in Times of Uncertainty

Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face.
Mike Tyson

As a tech exec, it is crucial to have a backup plan and anticipate the unexpected. Despite careful planning, things often deviate from the desired course. In moments of adversity and deviation, how do you respond? How do you lead your team through challenges and keep them motivated?

One key to navigating uncertain situations is by having a strong understanding of the market and industry trends. This knowledge can help guide decision making and inform strategies for adapting to changing circumstances.

Additionally, it is important to foster a culture of agility within your organization. This means encouraging flexibility in processes and promoting a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. By being adaptable, your team will be better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, pivot when necessary, and stay ahead of competitors.

Another critical aspect of successful leadership during times of uncertainty is effective communication. Clear and transparent communication with your team about the situation at hand can help alleviate stress and build trust. It also allows for open discussions about potential solutions and encourages collaboration.

In addition to communication, it is crucial for leaders to prioritize empathy and emotional intelligence. During times of uncertainty, people may be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and fear. As a leader, it is important to understand and acknowledge these emotions, while also providing support and reassurance.

And for yourself, anticipate the unforeseen and resist complacency.

Even during a smooth journey, having a backup plan in place is prudent. For instance, proactively nurturing your professional network can act as a safety net, heaven forbid you find yourself in need of new opportunities. Remember, preparedness is key.

Being prepared and having a backup plan is paramount. Complacency poses a significant threat to technology leaders and their success. Stay vigilant and proactive to stay ahead in the game.

Another way to navigate through uncertain times is by staying informed. This means keeping up to date with current events and industry trends, as well as seeking out advice from experts or mentors. By staying informed, you can make more informed decisions for your organization.

Finally, it is essential to maintain a positive mindset during times of uncertainty. While challenges may arise, it’s important to focus on the opportunities that can come from adapting and overcoming these obstacles. Encourage your team to stay positive and stay focused on the future, rather than dwelling on the present uncertainties.

Click here for a post on embracing uncertainty in the tech world.