Definition of all "all-rounder":An all-rounder is a cricketer who regularly performs well at both batting and bowling. How it is related to IT?
Well, for long time administrators were developed to became experts in one area (databases, UNIX platforms, backup, archiving, networking or Microsoft products). After 10+ years those people became religious about their job and vendor they know. They block any change or progress and often create hostile environment in Data center group. In most cases they did't share their knowledge and nobody knew what are they doing. Stop This!
Think of person that is skilled in more techniques and technologies. About person that can accept changes and can develop itself in different directions.
For new employee be very aware and ask smart questions on interview. Examples are: "How you feel about new technologies?", "What is you position in case of technology (or vendor) change?" etc. Trust me, from some people you will get straight forward answers like "In case of change vendor (is most cases CISCO experts) I'll change my job." So be very carefull when hiring new administartor.
In existing group you have to expand competences for persons. Communicate that you are going to do changes. First ask them for interest and preferences in other technology areas. You need motivated persons so try to fulfill wishes. Second start to train them. Example could be that Oracle DBA go to AIX UNIX course and vice verse. Start to delegate simple tasks from different area. Agree in advanced what is level of expertise (or tasks) that can do independent and time to achive that. Regularly check the progress. In long term you will win!
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This is creative space for managers where you can find advices and tips how to run successful CIO career. Every post is based on 10+ years of running IT departments in challenging environment.
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