In last April's HealthLink Telecom Newsletter "Dig Deep before Rising to the Next Level" (refer to Vericom's Telecom/IT Newsletter Archive), we looked at preparing for a promotion while weighing the cost.  As a follow-up to that piece, let's review the information in a recent article by John A. Venter, the President and CEO of CompTIA.  Although he provides some alarming statistics for our industry, it is good news for those of us who seek to climb the IT leadership ladder. 

In his article "Soap box: Labor Shortage Calls for Creative Solutions," Mr. Ventor relates these statistics:

• 21 million jobs are expected to be created in the U.S. economy by 2010, but only 17 million new workers will enter the workforce.
• Labor shortages are projected in a growing number of sectors of the economy, including information technology and communications. 
• Jobs in computing and communications technology account for five of the 20 fastest growing occupations in the next seven years.
• The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the demand for IT professionals will grow by nearly 50% by 2012 with 1.5 million new computer and IT-related job openings.  But the United States will have only half that many qualified graduates.   
• Many companies are already facing critical shortages of technically proficient, business-savvy workers for key roles ranging from leadership to technical and professional disciplines. 

What does this data mean for us? Obviously there will be a growing need for management as well as staff-level IT professionals.  Gaining business and leadership skills to augment technical skills is of the utmost importance for anyone desiring to make the most of this upcoming opportunity. 

Also in last April's Telecom HealthLink Newsletter, I provided a list of 10 important personal characteristics to polish when preparing for a promotion.  Here are some additional characteristics to brush up on as well:
    

• Customer Service/Relationship skills - help your customers resolve their issues, establish rapport
• Flexibility - be a team player, work well with co-workers
• Organization skills - be able to find what you need when you need it
• Proactiveness - look for the needs in your organization, you can be a hero
• Responsiveness - move a little more quickly, reply to emails in timely manner  
• Safety consciousness - look for hazards that might not be so obvious
• Problem solving ability - identify solutions for process or personnel issues
• Budget preparation skills - know how to create operating, labor and capital budgets
• Presentation skills - learn to use presentation software like PowerPoint
• Remember successes - gain confidence, learn what works in each situation  

Success is not attained by staying with the status quo.  The average person does not usually attain true leadership positions.  To rise above the crowd takes more than just one single characteristic or a one-time event. It takes a combination of characteristics and skills demonstrated over time. By developing your skills in these areas, you can put yourself in a good position for advancement.
 
 -Mike