15 Ways to be a Great IT Manager

The best managers are the ones that help you grow. I've collected a number of personal and others' thoughts regarding what it takes to be a great IT Manager. I believe this can also be applied to various other management positions. Good Managers are:

1. Someone who has the ability to see the "big picture".
2. Someone who is willing to accept new thoughts and ideas.
3. Someone who has motivation to learn whatever necessary.
4. Someone who motivates themselves and others around them to do better and be better.
5. Someone who understands the technology they are managing / supporting.
6. Someone who let's their people work and doesn't micromanage.
7. Someone who trusts their people to complete the tasks assigned and holds them accountable if they don't.
8. Someone who provides a competitive salary for his / her team.
9. An advocate for their team.
10. Someone who is transparent with their team.
11. Someone who rewards and compliments good work when it is achieved.
12. Someone who can see how technology plays into the company's vision of the future.
13. Someone that knows how to apply that technology to help the company grow and achieve its short and long term goals.
14. Someone who assists in developing their team grow.
15. Someone who assists his / her employees in asking the right questions when a problem arises.

"Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them." - John C. Maxwell