Technical Managers: Hired for Hard Skills, Fired for Soft Skills

The basics of great management are the same whether in the technical or non-technical sphere because you are dealing with human beings. The key is to develop a plan to implement assignments and then delegate the detailed tasks to a technical professional to execute using proven methodologies and keeping individuals motivated. Coaching each person to get the results you are responsible for and helping each person continuously improve are the hallmarks of a great manager. These so-called soft skills help you achieve results, build a successful team, and reduce tension, turnover, and termination.

The days of the technical wizard locked in the back room away from humans are over. Today companies expect everyone from technical Team leaders to CIOs to use good management, communication, and leadership skills. However, when companies promote technical professionals to manage teams, the result has been more turmoil, turnover, and trauma in technical departments than usual.

Traditionally, pressure has been on technical professionals to move into management. The result has often been the loss of a skilled technical person and the creation of a poor manager. Avoid the Up-and-Out trajectory by embracing the proven techniques to manage other technical people successfully while building positive relationships with your customers, team, manager, and peers.

Making the transition from technical professional to manager does not have to be difficult. This webinar by our expert speaker will provide all the information you need to succeed at any level managing technical people.

Webinar Objectives

The session will address the lack of basic communication and management skills in most technical managers at every level including:

• A tactical rather than strategic approach to planning
• A “Just Do It” approach to assigning work rather effective delegation
• A “They get a paycheck” notion of motivation rather than individualized interactions
• A lack of coaching skills, exacerbated by the lack of delegation and motivation skills
• Poor understanding of communication, especially in relation to the level of skill for specific assignments

Webinar Agenda

• Understand the 3 roles of every manager: Lead, Manage, Do
• Make the transition from technical expert to the manager, differing expectations
• Bridge the gap between the team and upper management
• Become Accountable
• Plan strategically, Execute tactically
• Delegate for improved performance of individuals and team
• Motivate for improved performance of individuals and team
• Coach for improved performance of individuals and team
• Manage the Plan
• Evaluate performance
• Communicate effectively with everyone at every level

Webinar Highlights

As a result of this program, technical managers at every level will understand the basics:

• Make the transition from Team Member to Accountable Manager and Leader
• Focus on Results through a Mission-driven Plan
• Delegate for improved results, development, and effectiveness
• Motivate based on individual needs to improve performance
• Integrate Delegation and Motivation to Coach for Results and Continual Improvement 
• Communicate efficiently with everyone

Who Should Attend

This program is for technical professionals who are managing others or making the transition to management at any level from a technical position, who are interested in improving business results, avoiding common technical management pitfalls, and succeeding as effective leaders.

• Accountants
• Engineers
• Manufacturing Line Workers
• Scientists
• Medical Researchers and professionals
• Information Technology professionals, and other technical experts
• Technical team leads
• Technical supervisors
• Technical managers and directors