I have been a programmer for years before leading a team and finally manage overall IT operations. Obviously being . . . → Read More: IT leadership pattern.]]> Be a boss, not a friend. If someone does not perform, kick him out immediately. Giving another chance to low performers are just a waste of time, energy, money, even your own and your corporate credibility.

I have been a programmer for years before leading a team and finally manage overall IT operations. Obviously being a superior needs different skill, different talents, even perhaps different personality. I am confident with my technical insight, but am “I the right leader for my team?” have been in my mind for years.

I have read at least twenty leadership books and anything related like interviewing, hiring, motivating, and so forth. Never found one which really do fit for my situation however. I have been in IT inferior position before, so I know exactly what I want from my boss to makes me productive. Anything can share their advise, opinion, thoughts, are very much welcomed.

I remembered what my former boss has said about this. It may also be a formula to cure all disease, though. Maybe managing group of multi-cultured IT specialists with different nationalities was different. But at least, with his simple philosophy, he successfully brought his almost-bankrupt dotcom into 20 million Euros of income.

1. Understand their need, open your mind and your door.
2. Be a good example consistently.
3. Be a boss, not a friend. If someone does not perform, kick him out immediately. Giving another chance to low performers are just a waste of time, energy, money, even your own and your corporate credibility.

Obviously I like the last one most. So anyone who works for me, look into and make up yourself. Make sure that your performance is rather satisfactory.