Many organizations are helping IT workers gain the non-technical skills they need through training and development opportunities. But before scheduling another training session, organizations should make sure the program focuses on the following critical areas of development:
- Interpersonal relationship skills.
Expertise alone is not enough to establish credibility with a client. To win a client’s trust, internal IT consultants must be able to listen, relate to the client’s specific needs and gain his or her confidence.
- A strong customer orientation.
Before proposing a solution, the IT consultant must have a clear understanding of a client’s goals, role and expectations. Internal IT consultants need to have their fingers on the pulse of the organization and seek ongoing feedback to ensure the client’s expectations are being met.
- Diagnostic insight.
Effective internal IT consultants are able to analyze problems from all angles. Their recommendations must support the strategic direction of their organization, while meeting a client’s individual needs.
- Versatility.
Internal consultants must be able to communicate with people at all levels of the organization. In order to create solutions that stand the test of implementation, the need to translate a client’s objectives into workable strategies that are accepted throughout the organization.
- Persuasion skills.
While IT consultants need to be responsive to their clients’ needs, they must also be able to help a client see the value of their recommendations, even when they differ from the client’s point of view. Knowing when to take a stand for what they believe is right makes internal IT consultants invaluable in setting organizational strategies.
Even the most well-thought-through training program won’t work if an individual isn’t motivated to invest the time and energy into it. Make sure IT professionals understand how their development efforts will impact their performance and advance their long-term career objectives.
SOURCE: Personnel Decisions International