In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving technological landscape, the role of a technology manager has become increasingly important. A technology manager is responsible for overseeing complex projects, leading teams of technical experts, and ensuring that the organization’s technology infrastructure is up-to-date and aligned with its overall strategic goals. To be a great technology manager, one must possess a set of skills and qualities that combine technical expertise with leadership abilities.

In this blog, I’m reflecting on my experience of working as managers of Operations Research and Data Science in the past around 3 years and discussing the qualities that make a great technology manager. Here are the scores of the areas I gave to myself:

Technical Competency

A great technology manager needs to have a solid understanding of the technology they are managing. They should stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements, and be able to provide technical guidance to their team. It is important that they have a strong foundation in the technology they are managing so that they can make informed decisions and provide the necessary support to their team.

Business Acumen

In addition to technical expertise, a great technology manager also needs to have a strong understanding of the business domain they are working in. They should be able to align their technical decisions with the overall strategic goals of the organization. By having a clear understanding of the organization’s goals, a technology manager can make informed decisions that benefit the organization as a whole.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are essential for any manager, but particularly for a technology manager. They need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A great technology manager should be able to explain complex technical concepts in a way that is easy to understand for non-technical stakeholders.

Project Management

A great technology manager needs to have strong project management skills. They should be able to break down complex projects into manageable tasks, assign them to team members, and ensure that they are completed on time and within budget. By having strong project management skills, a technology manager can ensure that their team is working efficiently and effectively towards the organization’s goals.

Creative and Critical Thinking

A great technology manager should be able to think both creatively and critically. They should be able to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, while also being able to analyze data and make data-driven decisions. By having a combination of creative and critical thinking skills, a technology manager can make informed decisions that benefit the organization.

People Management

Managing people is a critical part of being a technology manager. They need to be able to motivate and inspire their team, while also providing guidance and support when needed. A great technology manager should be able to create a positive and productive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

Leadership

A great technology manager needs to be a strong leader. They should be able to set a clear vision and direction for their team, while also being able to lead by example. By having strong leadership skills, a technology manager can inspire their team to achieve great things and drive the organization towards success.

Courage and Passion

A great technology manager should have the courage to take risks and try new things, while also being passionate about their work and the mission of their organization. By having the courage to take risks, a technology manager can help their organization stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Humility and Empathy

A great technology manager should be humble and empathetic, valuing all people and empowering their team to reach their full potential. By being humble and empathetic, a technology manager can create a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.

Accountability and Enterprise Perspective

A great technology manager should take accountability for their actions and decisions, while also having an enterprise perspective and understanding how their work fits into the larger picture of the organization. By having an enterprise perspective, a technology manager can make informed decisions that benefit the organization as a whole.

In conclusion, being a great technology manager requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership abilities, and personal qualities. By embodying these qualities, a great technology manager can inspire their team to achieve great things and drive their organization towards success in today’s ever-evolving technological landscape.