As an IT manager, you are most likely actively reviewing 2017’s goals and achievements, and making plans for improvements in 2018. The following tips will help in those planning activities and provide clear direction to increase your team’s productivity before 2018 begins.
Set Clear Goals
Clearly defining your targets for the new year will help you plan your course of action. Without a clear benchmark for improvement in mind, it’s far too easy for your efforts to become unfocused and disorganized. Decide exactly how much more productive you want to be next year, and make sure everyone on your IT team knows the goals you’re working towards.
Think Strategically
The saying “work smarter, not harder” is one to keep in mind over the coming year. The ambitious productivity goals you establish should directly contribute to your core strategic goals. It’s great to get more out of your team, but if your efforts are not focused around overall optimization, you’ve simply created an unnecessary disruption.
Review Your Workforce
Your team might be working at optimal output already, and new goals or projects may only create stress for your team and low morale. Improving productivity often requires a revision of your workforce. Consider adding staff in a strategic way, whether full-time, or on a contract basis.
Create Perks and Incentives
Ideally, you would be able to snap your fingers and get more out of your team, but things very rarely work this way. Incentives are a great way to reward extra effort and productivity. Extra compensation and benefits are great motivators, but if your budget is stretched thin, consider offering additional vacation days, team parties, professional development opportunities, or extra consideration for promotions.
Prioritize Management Improvements
As a manager, you monitor your team’s efforts from a macro perspective. They will handle the details, but it is your job to keep them focused, on task, and working towards short, medium, and long-term goals. If you plan to ask your team to do more, make sure you’re prepared to provide the leadership and guidance that they require to ensure their success.
Open the Lines of Communication
Increasing productivity is historically a difficult proposition, meaning that conflicts, confusion, and frustration are inevitable. Make sure that the lines of communication are open so that any team member has a venue to take their questions and concerns to. This is key to preventing burnout, resolving conflicts, and correcting misunderstandings.
Count on Resolute Technologies during 2018 and beyond for all of your IT hiring needs!