Tag Archives: mike sisco

58th IT Manager Institute will be in Dubai – my 9th visit

world-1I just sent an email blast to our IT Manager Institute graduates to tell them of two upcoming classes in Dubai the week of October 20-24, 2013.

It’s always interesting to see who reads the email message and to remember some of the events surrounding past Institute classes and the managers who attended them. Meeting some of the best people and sharing time and knowledge with IT managers of the world has been an unbelievable experience.

Here are the classes I’ll be teaching in Dubai in a couple of weeks.

Brochure_itduedil overviewIT Due Diligence & Assimilation Overview (October 20, 2013) – a 1-day overview of the key issues surrounding IT discovery and transition when dealing with a company acquisition. It is based on my experience in managing the IT support issues in over 40 merger and acquisitions and includes the process and tools developed to do the work.
CLICK HERE for Brochure

IT Manager Institute & ITBMC Program (October 21-24, 2013) – our flagship program devoted to helping IT managers of the world achieve more success includes a comprehensive IT Manager Process with tools and templates. It will be the 58th program overall and 9th to be delivered in Dubai.
CLICK HERE for Brochure.

We expect a big class and I always look forward to visiting Dubai, , , easy to get to, , , all I need is my Passport, , , lots to do in Dubai, , , and great hosts for our class, , , plus I have made some good friends there.

See photos of past classes.

Fastest way to develop key IT manager skills to achieve IT success

IT managers have the toughest management job in your company!

But, , , IT management is simpler and easier when you have a process to follow and tools that help, especially if you get them from an experienced manager.

You don’t need theory, , , theory sounds good but doesn’t work in the real world.

You don’t need a long drawn out program, , , you don’t have time for that.

What you do need is a straightforward and practical IT management process to follow and specific tools that help you achieve IT success.

You need something you can use now!!

The IT Manager Institute program is by far the fastest way to gain these critical management skills. Ask any of our students.

CLICK HERE to download the IT Manager Institute brochure.

IT Manager Institute Brochure

The Institute is better than ever, , , streamlined to help you achieve more success.

Here are some ugly facts:

  • Most IT organizations are reactive.
  • Over 50% of all IT organizations are out of sync with the business they support, and the senior IT manager doesn’t realize it.
  • IT organizations lose credibility every day due to a few issues that are easy to correct.
  • Most IT managers do not have a management process to follow or tools to do their job.
  • There is usually no one in the company who can help a struggling IT manager or CIO.

These issues cost companies billions every year in wasted money and lost productivity.

Instead of the IT organization being viewed as an enabler and a valuable investment, , , the business often views IT as a “necessary cost”.

The sad thing is that a focused IT organization can leverage the productivity and reduce cost for every department in the company. No other organization has this type of leverage, , , but most CEO’s simply do not realize it because they haven’t experienced it.

Instead of the CEO looking for a place to hide when he sees the CIO coming down the hall, , , he should be running to greet him because he knows the CIO has powerful insight that he wants to hear, , , things that leverage and provide tangible value for the company.

A CEO knows this when his IT managers consistently:

  • Recommend business value initiatives
  • Their initiatives are always cost justified
  • They deliver what they say they will do

The formula for a successful IT organization is pretty simple, but if you don’t know what it is and don’t have the tools to do the job, , , it might as well be “in Greek”.

For example, are you aware that it only takes about an hour to determine if IT is out of sync with the business? Yet, over 50% of IT organizations are out of sync according to many studies, , , and don’t realize it.

2013 marks the 11th year I’ve been teaching the IT Manager Institute. Hundreds of IT managers from all parts of the world have gone through the program and are achieving more success because of it.

We have 100% positive feedback, something I’m extremely proud of. The reason is simple, , , the program hits the mark for what an IT manager needs to succeed.

It gives you a simple process to follow and practical tools you can begin using immediately that will help you do the job.

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Read comments from managers who have attended:

“I am already using principles and concepts learned in the Institute before I even get home. I feel 100% more prepared for what I will face on Monday when I get to my office.”
Dan Ussery; La Crescenta, CA

Best I have been to, this class has answered many of the questions I was struggling with.”
Luke Marino; Austin, TX 

“A very useful course. It’s one of the
best courses I have ever taken.
I wish all IT managers could take it.”
Eisa Ali Al Mansoori; Abu Dhabi, UAE

“Mike’s presentations are great!  He not only gives us the process to follow but the tools he uses also.  His insights are  right on the money based on real world experience, and he explains complex concepts in a down to earth manner.”
Ed Anderson; Walkerton, IN

“Informative and packed full of real life examples, it empowers the student to return to their organization with a wealth  of material to succeed.”
Laura Lehr; Bonita Springs, FL

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These are just a few of the hundreds of positive comments from IT managers who have attended the IT Manager Institute.

The Institute teaches you a practical process to follow and provides specific tools that will help you and your IT organization achieve more success.

Whether it is determining what your organization should work on, prioritizing work, managing projects, budgeting, motivating your team, or delivering an IT strategy, , , this program covers everything you need to learn in order to manage a successful IT organization.

We will walk step by step through the actions I would take if I were to join your company as a new CIO, , , and discuss the specific tools I would use to help me:

  • determine what we should work on
  • prioritize the work
  • develop and communicate an IT strategy
  • begin establishing much needed credibility
  • , , , and much, much more

Stop struggling so much and learn “insider tips” on how to deal with the IT support issues you face every day.

Learn how to take charge of your situation and to get your IT organization out of react mode.

Real power comes with knowledge and insight of what to do and understanding how to go about it.

Results occur when you follow a management process and have the tools to actually do the job.

The IT Manager Institute gives you both.

No theory, , ,just simple processes and tools that work, , , and are working for thousands of IT managers around the world.

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Leverage your IT investment and boost your career when you attend the IT Manager Institute. Learn more and register athttp://itmanagerinstitute.com/training/agenda

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Do you need the IT Manager Institute delivered in your company for 6 or more managers? Contact me at:  info@mde.net

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More comments from the IT Manager Institute:

Excellent content that is highly relevant, excellent and well paced presentations, and excellent value. The IT Manager Institute contains every element that will lead to a successful IT manager.”
Mohamed Alaydaroos; Abu Dhabi, UAE

“The Institute program is a must for
all CIO and technology managers.  I can’t wait to go and start implementing all I have learned here.”
Okoh Chukwuka; Lagos, Nigeria 

“I have gained knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively manage the IT department.  This class has also helped me gain confidence in my ability and empowered me to be a manager.”
Connie Bain; Birmingham, AL

“I was very positively surprised, Mike is one  of those people I am really proud I have met!  I’d recommend the Institute to everyone involved in managing IT.”
Matej Kurent; Ljubljana, Slovenia

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Attain the IT Business Manager Certification, ITBMC and demonstrate you know the importance of delivering business value for your company.

When you do, business managers of the company will view their IT support organization in a whole different light.

A final comment:
Many IT managers tend to procrastinate and over analyze. Don’t let this happen to you.

Maybe you have been thinking, “Over time I will learn how to manage my IT organization better.”

If so, this is a dangerous approach. Without help, you are going to make mistakes and those mistakes can be very costly for your company, , , even your career.

Attend the IT Manager Institute and I guarantee your perspective of managing an IT organization will change. When you approach “the business of IT support” differently from how you’ve been “managing technology”,  the results will be noticeable to everyone around you.

I encourage you to take charge of your career and make the investment that can make a real difference for your organization, your company, and most importantly for you.

We have a great event coming up, , , would love to meet you there and have you join the managers who have attended the fifty-seven IT Manager Institute programs delivered so far.

IT Manager Institute #56 – Dubai, UAE – May 2013

Can’t afford the class or travel?

Take a look at the IT Manager Institute Self Study. Same material and benefits as the classroom event including ability to attain ITBMC certification

http://itmanagerinstitute.com/training/self-study-program

IT Due Diligence and Assimilation class

presentation_8Last week I held a 2-day class on IT Due Diligence and Assimilation based on the process and tools I developed from managing the IT focus in over 40 company acquisitions.

When I joined a small company many years ago to manage the IT Department, I had never heard of the term “due diligence”. I was about to get a heavy dose of it as we grew this $30 million company in 5 1/2 years to over $650 million in revenue by acquiring over 35 companies.

We were an “acquisition machine”!

Since I had no process or tools to conduct an IT due diligence, I had to develop them along the way, , , not so much a conscious decision but more by necessity simply to get the job done. In retrospect, without the tools and process I developed my company would have “run flat over me” as we generated tremendous change by acquiring so many companies so quickly. These resources “saved my bacon”.

I have two more classes coming up this year in Dubai, UAE to deliver content on IT due diligence and assimilation.

  1. Oct. 20, 2013 — 1-day IT Due Diligence and Assimilation Overview session preceding a 4-day IT Manager Institute. The 1-day class is being provided to accommodate a few who want the material but can’t afford to return to Dubai for the class we have scheduled in November (see below).
  2. Nov. 20-21, 2013 — 2-day IT Due Diligence and Assimilation Program.  This is the complete version of the class. Learn more

Brochure_IT due diligence classDownload the Brochure

Can’t attend the class? CLICK HERE to check out our IT Due Diligence and Assimilation BUNDLE of digital training and products, , , this is the most comprehensive set of IT due diligence materials in the industry.

due diligence bundle

57th IT Manager Institute held last week

institute_57_columbia-2IT Manager Institute #57 – Columbia, TN – September 2013

Last week we held our 57th IT Manager Institute at Graymere Country Club in Columbia, Tennessee. The club is about 1 mile from my home so teaching classes there is great plus the club’s southern hospitality and quiet environment makes it a pretty special place.

The weather during the week was great and the golf course is pretty close to perfect so keeping my mind on the class might have been a challenge except we had a super group of IT managers attending this one. Seems like we always have a great group!

Nashville, TN, , , Pittsburgh, PA, , , Charlotte, NC, , , and Abuja, Nigeria were represented.

CLICK HERE to check out photos of all our IT Manager Institute classes.

Mike Sisco’s Top 15 IT Manager Tools

When the Editors of Toolkit Café asked me to provide a list of the Top Ten IT manager tools every IT manager should have, three things happened:

First, I never had really thought about “must have tools” for every IT manager. I had always just focused on individual tools or my entire IT Manager ToolKit.

Second, if we really mean “every IT manager should have them”, then we should create an opportunity so every IT manager can access them, , , so we have, , , read on.

Third, when I tried to identify a Top 10 List, I couldn’t narrow it down to just 10. There are 15 IT manager tools in my IT Manager ToolKit that every IT manager needs and should have.

Let’s start with the list and follow with a short description of each tool and my reasons as to why you need it.

15 Tools Every IT Manager NEEDS

15Tools_all1. IT Employee Skills Matrix
2. IT Training Plan
3. New Employee Orientation Checklist
4. Performance Plan Template
5. Project Schedule Template
6. IT Systems Conversion Project Schedule
7. Move/Relocation Checklist
8. IT Initiatives Portfolio
9. Vendor Support Contacts
10. Escalation procedure
11. Annual IT Accomplishments
12. Client Rescue Guide
13. Cost of Downtime
14. Budget templates
15. IT Support Survey

Every tool can be customized to fit your specific needs and each tool includes instructions to help you use it.

DOWNLOAD MY TOP 15 TOOLS FOR FREE!

Read on for a Description of Each Tool

IT Staff Skills Matrix1. IT Employee Skills Matrix

One of the first things you want to do in an IT organization is to conduct an IT assessment. A key component of this discovery process is to determine the capability and capacity of your IT staff.  In other words, what can you do and how much can you do in terms of providing IT support.

This simple tool helps you quantify the skills you have and quickly identify the skill gaps that exist so you can prioritize training and education for your team. You can modify it to assess any level of skill you want; use it to quantify both technical and non-technical skills. Learn more.

IT Training Plan - General2. IT Training Plan

Training and education is one of the top motivators for IT employees. It always ranks in the Top 3 reasons employees stay with their company so it’s important to have a strong focus on employee development.

Eliminate knowledge silos and develop depth in your organization with a focused employee training plan when you quantify and prioritize training with this tool.
Learn more

Tool_New IT Employee Orientation3. New Employee Orientation Checklist

It’s important to help a new employee get started so he or she can become productive quickly. It also has morale implications with your IT team as well as with your new employee that you may not realize.

Use this checklist or modify as needed to show new employees you are organized and help them become part of the team quickly. Learn more

Performance Plan4. Performance Plan Template

(with examples)

IT employees have a strong need to know what it takes to be successful and they want to know if they are. Employee performance planning and review time is some of the highest quality time you have with your employees.

Included are three sample performance plans for a Programmer, Business Analyst and Infrastructure Manager. Learn more

Project Schedule template5. Project Schedule Template

The key to gaining IT credibility is delivering projects successfully. You need project schedules to help you manage the project team and complete the tasks on time.

I’ve used this template hundreds of times to manage very large projects. You don’t have to be a PMP to deliver projects successfully, but you do need structure and some simple tools. Learn more

projectplan6. IT Systems Conversion Project Schedule

Sooner or later you are going to convert one of your systems to a new platform. This project schedule template provides a generic list of tasks you can use to get started quickly.

In addition, an actual sample system conversion project schedule is included that will provide additional insight into project management. Learn more

Move Checklist7. Move/Relocation Checklist

There is going to be a time when a department of your company needs to relocate. I’ve been in situations where it seemed like someone was moving every week. Nothing hurts IT credibility more than when these relocations go poorly.

Prepare with a move/relocation checklist that helps you support your client by ensuring future relocations go smoothly. Learn more

IT Initiatives Portfolio8. IT Initiatives Portfolio

This little tool is so simple yet powerful. A couple of pages will show everyone how effective your IT organization delivers projects. Summarizes exactly what you need to know in regards to your project initiatives:
• On time
• Within budget
• Results achieved
• Meets client needs
• Successful (Yes or No)
Learn more

Vendor Contact List9. Vendor Support Contacts

When you need vendor support you often need it fast. Keep your vendor contact information close by and make it available to your Help Desk and all your IT managers.  You’re going to need it. Learn more

escalation procedure - loss of connectivity10. Escalation procedure

There are events that take place when you need to escalate IT support to a higher level such as a remote office losing connectivity, a data interface goes down, or a server crash.

Developing practical escalation procedures puts you ahead of the game when these problems occur and positions your organization to be highly responsive.
Learn more

Annual IT Accomplishments11. Annual IT Accomplishments

No one knows what the IT organization is accomplishing if you don’t tell them. I was shocked when assembling data for an annual IT Kickoff. We had accomplished so much more than I realized.

Right then I knew that if I had forgotten as the manager, then my clients and senior managers wouldn’t remember either. From that point I began tracking our accomplishments so we could communicate them with all groups in the company. Learn more

Client Rescue Guide12. Client Rescue Guide

Early in my career an unhappy client intimidated me. Maybe that’s happened to you. Over the years I learned that a “problem client” is simply an opportunity in disguise.

Identify the client’s issues and address them and you have a partner instead of a headache. This template walks you through a process to do just that. Learn more

costofdowntime13. Cost of Downtime

Senior managers don’t understand technology nor want to, but you have to gain their approval to fund many technical projects that are necessary for the company.

This can be especially difficult when trying to discuss infrastructure projects, , , executives don’t get “routers and switches”. A tool that can help you is to educate them on the “cost of downtime”.

This practical tool will help you quantify the downtime implications in lost productivity for any technology in your company, even down to a single PC or printer. Learn more

Budget Templates14. Budget templates

Developing an IT budget should be fairly quick work, but it is a long and tiring process for many IT managers. It was for me too until I developed a few templates to help me in the process.

This tool is actually several templates and can help streamline your IT operational and capital budgeting effort. Learn more

IT Support Survey15. IT Support Survey

At the end of the day, your client’s perspective of how well your IT organization is performing is your measurement of success. You need to be aware of how they feel about IT performance.

To do this, I use a simple survey like this tool but I don’t send it out and expect to get them completed and returned. Instead, I interview my clients and get much more information.

Use this survey form or modify it to determine client perspectives on:
• IT responsiveness
• IT focus
• IT quality
• IT professionalism
Learn more

SUMMARY
The tools and templates above have helped me significantly, and I hope you receive value in using them.

DOWNLOAD MY TOP 15 TOOLS FOR FREE!
when you subscribe to
ToolKit Cafe

There are over 100 tools and templates in the IT Manager ToolKit. To learn more  click here.

21 Secrets Every IT Manager MUST Know

21 Secrets Every IT Manager Must KnowLast week at our 56th IT Manager Institute in Dubai I announced my new book.

21 Secrets Every IT Manager Should MUST Know

Secret #8, Teamwork is not automatic in IT was posted the other day that will give you a glimpse into the book.

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IT managers tend to discount or pay little attention to these “secrets”, , , something that can create real challenges for you and your IT organization.

21 Secrets has been in development for some time. I wanted to write this one because there are many issues that can hinder your IT success, , , even undermine your credibility. Becoming aware of these “land mines” can make a positive difference in your success.

You may purchase the book at http://itmanagerstore.com/books/21-secrets-every-it-manager-must-know/.

Headed to Dubai for IT Manager Institute #56

IT Manager Institute eagle coinI leave for Dubai tomorrow to deliver my 56th IT Manager Institute next week. It will be the 8th time to deliver the program in Dubai, , , one of my favorite places to go.

UPDATE
This class will be held in 3 days rather than 5. The biggest challenge for many to attend the program is being able to break away from the office for a whole week or more depending upon travel requirements.

I have delivered the program in 3 days a couple of times before – for the City of Anchorage, Alaska and for 17 IT managers in the Province of Saskatchewan, Canada.

So, I decided to streamline the program to make it available in 3 days for a large group.  This is the 4th time to refresh the program since delivering the first IT Manager Institute in 2003.

itbmc_1The IT Manager Institute program is better than ever with everything you need to manage your IT organization effectively and to obtain ITBMC (IT Business Manager Certification) status. The new program even has a few extra gifts for students not available in earlier classes.

I will also launch my new book next week during the class. Read my next post to learn about the new book.

As you may know, my company mission is, “helping IT managers of the world achieve more™ success”. The Institute is the most effective way to develop critical IT management skills that help you succeed.

Every IT manager should have access to the IT Manager Institute program and BONUS materials we give students who attend. Still, there are many who cannot attend the class due to cost or travel challenges, , , or they simply “can’t afford the time” to be away from the office.

This is why the IT Manager Institute Self Study was developed. It’s identical to the classroom version, even down to the BONUS IT Manager Institute flash drive contents and ITBMC exam. The great news is that you can attend the class from your home or office, , , at less cost, no travel, and at your own pace.

Learn more at http://itmanagerinstitute.com/training/self-study-program

Hundreds of IT managers have attained ITBMC status through the self study and now use our practical IT manager tools and templates to help them achieve more success.

The 3-day classroom pilot we are delivering in Dubai next week looks like it’s making a difference, , , it is lining up to be the biggest Institute class to date. Look for my post next week with photos of the class.

Below are photos from our last two classes in Dubai – October 2012 and February 2013.

IT Manager Institute - Dubai Feb 2013IT Manager Institute #54 – Dubai, UAE – February 2013

IT Manager Institute - DubaiIT Manager Institute #53 – Dubai, UAE – October 2012

I can hardly wait to meet the managers in next week’s Dubai Institute and expect it will be a great class.

10 skills that can help you get an IT manager job

managersYour experience and technical credentials may make you a strong candidate for an IT manager position, but the CIO may want something more. Non-technical attributes can help you stand out from the competition and tip the hiring decision in your favor.


Maybe you have the skills and experiences the CIO is looking for in a certain position — but there may be many other applicants with similar resumes on the CIO’s desk. The 10 traits listed below extend beyond the required skills and can help set you apart from the other candidates. Look at your resume and try to tie in examples and experiences to these traits in cover letters and during interviews.

#1: A self-starter attitude

CIOs want managers who take initiative and want to do a good job. Being proactive is an excellent trait as long as it’s consistent with the mission.

#2: Adaptability to change

Our IT world is constantly changing and those who are adaptable tend to achieve more. CIOs need managers who can adapt to change and maintain high levels of productivity even in uncertain times.

#3: Appreciation for good customer service

People who understand the importance of client service know that clients, or users, are the reason we have an IT career. They also know how to take precautions when working on issues that can cause downtime and loss of productivity.

#4: Team player

Too many excellent technicians lose their value to an organization when they can’t work effectively in a team environment. Demonstrating an ability to work successfully with mixed teams of IT staff and users is a tangible asset.

#5: Proven commitment

CIOs want people they know will go the extra mile when called upon to take care of a situation — those who will do what it takes to succeed individually and for the team. True performers come through under pressure.

#6: A strong desire to achieve

It’s hard to teach people to want to succeed if they don’t already have the desire. Having such a desire puts an emphasis on getting important issues resolved, and CIOs need people who recognize when a situation calls for “all hands on deck”.

#7: Problem-solving skills

Putting out fires is a big part of any IT manager’s role, and competence doesn’t necessarily mean a manager has to have all the answers. Good managers are willing to work hard to find answers and enjoy the challenges that land on their desks.

#8: Solid communication skills

Being able to communicate effectively with others is necessary in any IT management role. IT managers communicate with everyone these days — from senior management to the CIO to users. Strong verbal and written communication skills will set you apart from most of your peers.

#9: Strong follow-up skills

Nothing is more frustrating for a CIO than to have a manager drop the ball by not following up on a commitment or issue. It probably harms the credibility of the IT organization more than anything. The ability to follow up shows commitment and an understanding of client service.

#10: Low maintenance

CIOs want managers who can operate independently, solve problems and who don’t create personnel or workplace problems. No CIO wants a manager tapping them on the shoulder all day, double-checking things and seeking help. The manager who requires minimal direction and who can deal with issues while ensuring that the appropriate steps are being taken is a valuable asset.

Often, it’s the soft skills and the “warm and cozy” feeling a CIO picks up in an interview that helps you get that management job. Senior managers look for candidates they believe can and will be able to do the job, will require minimal support, and have great “can do” attitudes who lead by example.

Be sure you load up your resume and interviews with things that help demonstrate these type of attributes as well as your technology understanding, , , it can make a big difference.

Where has Mike Sisco been?

meeting-4If you follow me on ITLever.com, you know that I try to post several new IT manager tips and tools every month, , , but I’ve been very quiet for a few months, , , well, actually since June of last year or 9 months in all.

Where have you been, Mike Sisco?

VERY BUSY!!!

You see, I took on a consulting engagement as an Interim IT Director for a hospital that we thought would last three to four months, , , but it lasted for 7 1/2 months, , , from July 2012 to mid-February of this year.

suitcaseIn doing this work, it took every ounce of energy I had. I would drive to the location  every Monday morning leaving by 4:30am in order to arrive around 8:30am the hospital’s time and return home on Friday. The project took all of my concentration and focus, and living at a hotel is not one of my primary career pursuits.

I don’t normally take on consulting work, , , especially a project that lasts as long as this one. I took it because a friend identified the need and it looked like a situation that would be both interesting work to do and something that was a good fit for where I could help them, , , it worked out well for both of us. I’m glad I took the project as it always helps keep you fresh when you get back into “corporate life” now and then.

As soon as I completed the contract, I held two IT Manager Institute classes, , , my 7th in Dubai in late February and another just last week in my home town of Columbia, TN, , , Institutes #54 and #55. You might say, I’ve been on the IT Manager Institute trail recently.

IT Manager Institute bus

Well, I’m happy and excited to be able to get back into the swing of things with my MDE business. We have an exciting year planned for 2013 with many new projects that will unfold in the months ahead, , , several that are essentially completed and ready to launch but had to be put on hold due to my schedule.

Expect to see me posting more IT manager tips and tools in the future.

1967 LCHS Reunion Skit


Our class reunion this year was great fun and highlighted by a skit six of us put together. Hope you like it and feel free to share with your friends.

IT management is not all about work, work, and more work. You have to find balance in your life, and the friends you grew up with are “life long friends” if you allow them to be. One of the best times we all had was meeting for dinners to plan the big reunion.

We are fairly certain this was one of the best reunions ever in the annals of Lewis County High, , , can’t wait until the next one.