Certifications have become pretty much the norm in the IT world. Let’s see, there are dozens of technical certifications, project management certifications, and even a few management certifications. In fact, you can get a certification on almost anything in the IT world, , , it seems that IT people really like certifications.
I may be an exception, , , ,they don’t mean that much to me and never have. The same thing goes for titles, , , call me whatever you choose, just pay me well, let me do my job, and recognize me for the results I get.
But, , , titles and certifications are important for a lot of your people so you don’t want to underestimate the importance in someone else’s mind. In addition, some certifications are now required just to get in the door for an interview with some companies.
In reality, a certification doesn’t mean you can actually do the job well, , , it just means you have received the knowledge and been certified by passing an exam in many cases.
You probably know my company offers the IT Business Manager Certification, ITBMC. I never would have if not for the encouragement of the managers who attended our first few IT Manager Institute programs.
I’ll deliver the 44th and 45th IT Manager Institute program this month and I can tell you that the ITBMC certification has probably been one of the reasons for the longevity and success of the program, , , this is our 9th year in delivering the program with hundreds around the world to receive their ITBMC status.
I can hardly wait to deliver each new class, , , they are a lot of fun and seeing the enthusiasm for the program is very rewarding.
At the end of the day
Certifications do not guarantee you will be successful. What they indicate is that you have received knowledge about a particular subject and passed an exam that suggests you have a good comprehension of the material.
Execution is something else, , , you still have to do the work that is required in order to achieve success.
That’s why I structured the IT Manager Institute program to not only deliver the material of what to do and how to go about it in class, , , I also give you the tools to make it happen plus some takeaways to help you implement the IT Management Process we teach to achieve more success. Things like:
- 30 Day Action Plan, , , specific steps to take when you get home
- My entire library of e-Books that reinforce the class presentations
- IT Manager ToolKit containing 102 tools and templates to use immediately or modify as needed
- Ongoing support and access to me for assistance
The IT Manager Institute program is unique in many ways because of how we structure the class and also the additional tools and resources you take back to your company. Because the class follows a structured process and is delivered in a “how to” format, your retention is better, , , plus you have many resources to help you remember things from the class.
The bottom line
I think the key to any certification is how well people respond to the program. In our case, we have a 100% positive satisfaction from those who have attended. The reason is simple, , , the practical processes and tools are easily understood and put into practice, , , and they work.
It’s one thing to understand a concept. To succeed, you have to actually do the work and that’s why the IT Manager Institute program is structured so you can follow specific steps and use tools designed for specific uses that lead to more success in an IT manager role.
An ITBMC beside your name says something other than signifying a technical skill. ITBMC says you have learned the importance for your IT organization to deliver tangible and quantifiable business value in support of your company. It also indicates an understanding that IT initiatives are driven by business needs and issues and that every initiative you recommend will be cost justified and targeted to some specific business value.
Why is this important? It tells senior managers of your company you have a business perspective when managing your IT organization, , , not so focused on technology and missing the tremendous business leverage opportunities your IT organization offers your company.
Business managers become business partners, , , and without having these “partners” in your company, your success will be limited.
As I prepare for next week’s class, I get a high sense of enthusiasm in thinking about meeting a whole new group of IT managers and giving them the tools and resources that potentially changes their life and boosts their career.
They will leave with the knowledge and tools to make it happen, , , but they still have to do the work just as with anything in life.
Check out Institute class photos at https://itlever.com/institute-photos/
More photos at http://www.mde.net/institute/page4.html
Earlier this week I held the 46th IT Manager Institute at Graymere Country Club in Columbia, TN. This has turned out to be a great venue for us and we look forward to delivering more training programs at Graymere.
Class dinner at River Terraces overlooking the Duck River
Our class paparazzi on the left (Mark) about to catch Muj asleep at dinner
Lunch at Graymere, , , always a good meal
James and Amr traveled the farthest, , , from Uganda and Saudi Arabia
Hanging around after the first day deciding where to go for dinner
Amr and Randy having fun at dinner
Paying close attention during class
Getting ready to order a great meal at the class dinner
Muj and Karen at dinner
Robert and James posing for the camera
Getting ready to talk about budgeting
Special guest Jon Pyles, a founder of TechRepublic and IT Business Edge, shared the last two days with us
IT Manager Institute #46 – class photo
ITLever™ 