Are you putting your IT best team on the field?
You’re the coach of the IT team. Read on this article to be sure you’ve got the right game plan for your teams, your structure, and your initiatives. It covers:
- Calling IT plays for your rookies, starters, and veterans
- How to keep your special teams sharp (security, cloud, virtualization, etc.)
- How to score with the C-suite by showing ROI
- Get the right team on the field
Table of contents
Game on!
Your Rookies
Your Starters
Your Special Teams
Your Veterans
Get on the Field
What’s the Score?
Be the Champion
Game on!
Regardless of what’s on your business card, you’re the coach of your IT team. Your team is looking to you for a game plan, and your organization’s leadership is looking for results.
Just like a sports team, your IT team has generalists and specialists, rookies and veterans. How do you meet the needs of all of these players? How do you help them achieve their goals?
It’s up to you to field an effective team every day and anticipate the future needs of your organization… all while IT unemployment is at an all-time low.
Welcome to the IT leadership playbook. Finally, you’ve got a resource to help you achieve a winning record.
Your Rookies: Get them in the game
Entry Level
Your young ones. Your green team. Whatever you call them, you’ll always have a few people on your team who are just starting in IT. With tech unemployment as low as 1.9% in the US, you’re bound to need to hire someone with a less than optimal skill set.
Give them a path that starts with the basics, and that’s easy to navigate.
The CompTIA courses and associated certifications are a solid starting point for all IT professionals. Suppose your hires come in with those under their belt, great. If not, or if they need a refresher, you’ve got them covered.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, tech unemployment was at 1.9% in 2018.
Here’s the game plan for your entry-level folks:
- CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - MTA – Security Fundamentals – 98-367
Security fundamentals
Novice - MTA – Cloud Fundamentals – 98-369
Cloud fundamentals
Novice - CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901/220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - End User Security Awareness
Best security practices for the end-user
Novice - CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
IT Fundamentals+
Novice - Linux for Beginners
Getting started in Linux for new users
Novice - MTA – Windows Operating System Fundamentals – 98-349
Windows operating system fundamentals
Novice - MTA – Server Fundamentals – 98-365
Windows server administration fundamentals
Novice
Desktop Support
Desktop support is a key area for all organizations and is a good, early step in the career of an IT professional. While the ideal ratio of end-user to the IT service desk worker is 70:1, this number varies widely.
Most organizations use this role as a springboard to more advanced IT positions, so it’s a great place for your youngsters to dig in.
If you’re supporting a Windows shop or a Mac shop solely, you’ve got a single layer of complexity. Supporting both? Make sure your team is cross-trained to handle every situation. Really, who doesn’t need a few more desktop support folks?
According to Gartner, the ideal IT end user to IT service desk worker ratio is 70:1.
Here’s the game plan for your desktop support team:
- CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - AntiVirus / AntiMalware
Detection and solutions
Novice - Building a PC
Assembly and configuration
Novice - CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901/220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - Virtualization Technologies
Fundamentals of Virtualization
Novice - CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
IT Fundamentals+
Novice - Linux for Beginners
Getting started in Linux for new users
Novice - MTA – Windows Operating System Fundamentals – 98-349
Windows Operating system fundamentals
Novice - ACA Mac Integration Basics 10.13
Apple Certified Associate
Novice - Windows Server 101
Introduction to Windows Server
Novice - End User Security Awareness
Best Security Practices for the End User
Novice
Your Starters: Keep them at their prime with new skills
System Administrators
These are the folks that keep the engines running in your organization — systems administrators and network administrators. Your system admins are experts in any system you may throw at them. Your network admins keep the network operating smoothly. If these folks don’t do their job, you’ll hear about it… loudly. If they do, it’s business as usual, and that’s a good thing.
As a coach, you need to approach them with the right balance of a manageable workload with challenging tasks and continual upskilling.
Here’s the game plan for your system administrators:
- CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - Microsoft Office 365 – 70-346
Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
Intermediate - Microsoft Office 365 – 70-347
Enabling Office 365 Services
Intermediate - CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
Networking with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - MTA – Windows Operating System Fundamentals – 98-349
Windows Operating system fundamentals
Novice - CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
Vendor-neutral networking
Intermediate - CompTIA Server+
Planning, Maintaining and Securing Server Equipment
Intermediate - CompTIA Linux+
Powered by LPI
Intermediate - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
Identity with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - SharePoint 2016 – 70-339
Planning and Administering SharePoint 2016
Intermediate - Microsoft Exchange 2013 – 70-341
Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
Advanced - Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 – 70-345
Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016
Advanced - System Center 2012 Configuration Manager – 70-243
SCCM
Advanced - Advanced SharePoint 2016 – 70-339
Advanced Technologies of SharePoint 2016
Advanced - MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-744
Securing Windows Server 2016
Advanced
Here’s the game plan for your network administrators:
- MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
Identity with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
Vendor-neutral networking
Intermediate - CompTIA Security+
Vendor-neutral IT Security
Intermediate - CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - CCNA Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Intermediate - CCENT
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
Novice - MTA – Networking Fundamentals – 98-366
Networking Fundamentals
Novice - CompTIA Linux+
Powered by LPI
Intermediate - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
Networking with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - CCNP Routing and Switching – ROUTE
Implementing Cisco IP Routing
Advanced - CCNP Routing and Switching – SWITCH
Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks
Advanced - CCNP Routing and Switching – TSHOOT
Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks
Advanced - CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
CASP
Advanced - Cisco ASA Express Security
Next-Generation Firewall
Advanced - FirePOWER with Advanced FireSIGHT Administration
SSFIPS
Advanced - MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-744
Securing Windows Server 2016
Advanced
Your Special Teams: Stay ahead with advanced skills
Special Teams
As the IT landscape expands and your responsibilities as an IT leader grow, you’ll need more specialized players to get the job done. Your special team’s group is just that — a group that plugs in for specific needs and goes deep on their expertise in the field.
Whether it’s your cloud specialists, cybersecurity experts, virtualization crew, or DBAs, suit them up with the right training.
Cloud
There are so many variables with your cloud computing approach. You’ve got multiple vendors (AWS, Microsoft Azure Certificate, Google Cloud) and different deployment options (public, private, community, hybrid). Your cloud specialists can ensure you’re getting the most value from the cloud.
In 15 months, 80% of all IT budgets will be committed to cloud solutions.
Here’s the game plan for your cloud team:
- MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
Identity with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - MCSE Windows Server 2012 – 70-413
Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
Advanced - MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-414
Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
Advanced - MCSE Windows Server 2012 – 70-744
Securing Windows Server 2016
Advanced - MCSE Private Cloud – 70-246
Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
Advanced - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
Networking with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Designing distributed applications on the AWS platform
Intermediate - AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
ACSA
Intermediate - CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
Vendor-neutral networking
Novice - MTA – Cloud Fundamentals – 98-369
Cloud Fundamentals
Novice - MCSE Private Cloud – 70-247
Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
Advanced - Certified Cloud Security Professional
CCSP
Expert - Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions – 70-535
Microsoft Azure
Advanced - Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure – 70-533
Microsoft Azure
Advanced
Virtualization
While all of your team should be familiar with virtualization technology, you’ll need folks to take a deep dive. Your go-to people should understand the technology common to all virtualization tools and know the main tools inside and out.
Here’s the game plan for your virtualization team:
- MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
Identity with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
Networking with Windows Server 2016
Intermediate - VMware Certified Associate 6 VCA6-DCV
Data Center Virtualization
Novice - VMware Certified Professional 6 VCP6-DCV
Data Center Virtualization
Intermediate - MCSE Private Cloud – 70-246
Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
Advanced - MCSE Private Cloud – 70-247
Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
Advanced - MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-744
Securing Windows Server 2016
Advanced
Cybersecurity
Your security pros are in demand. They must be familiar with the basics, plus pen-testing tools, cryptography, malware detection, and more. Are they tasked with running your end-user security awareness program as well? Arm them with the best, most current training around.
According to Forbes, there will be as many as 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021.
Here’s the game plan for your cybersecurity team:
- CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - MTA – Security Fundamentals – 98-367
Security Fundamentals
Novice - CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-001)
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst
Intermediate - MTA – Server Fundamentals – 98-365
Networking Fundamentals
Novice - MTA – Networking Fundamentals – 98-366
Windows server administration fundamentals
Novice - CCENT
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
Novice - CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
Vendor-neutral networking
Intermediate - ECES
EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist
Intermediate - CompTIA Security+
Vendor-neutral IT Security
Intermediate - CEH v9
Certified Ethical Hacker
Intermediate - CHFI v9
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
Intermediate - CompTIA Linux+
Powered by LPI
Intermediate - CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
CASP
Advanced - CyberSec First Responder
Logical Operations
Advanced - GIAC Security Essentials
GSEC
Intermediate - CISA
Certified Information Systems Auditor
Advanced - Systems Security Certified Practitioner
SSCP
Advanced - CISM
Certified Information Security Manager
Expert - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
CISSP
Expert - Certified Cloud Security Professional
CCSP
Expert - CCNA Cyber Ops (210-250 SECFND)
Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Advanced - CCNA Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Intermediate - CCNA Security
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security
Intermediate
Database Administrators
The DBA is the heart of an organization, running queries and slicing and dicing info upon request.
Here’s the game plan for your DBAs:
- CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - Microsoft SQL Server 2012 – 70-462
Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
Intermediate - CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
Novice - Microsoft SQL Server 2014 – 70-461
Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2014
Intermediate - CompTIA Server+
Planning, Maintaining and Securing Server Equipment
Intermediate
Your Veterans: Advanced their skills even further
Veterans
The team members with a ton of experience can help take you to a new level with advanced certifications. Get your IT team to perform at optimum levels and keep them there with processes and disciplines that are proven at organizations globally.
Whether you choose ITIL®, Lean Six Sigma®, Agile, Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2® or CompTIA Project+, the key is applying the learnings your team brings to the table and using these strategies to optimize your organization.
ITIL® certification is among the top 5 highest paying IT certifications.
Here’s the game plan for your IT project and service management gurus:
- CompTIA Project+
Project Management
Novice - Accredited SIAM Foundation
SIAM Foundation
Novice - Accredited ITIL® Foundation
Foundation
Novice - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – RCV
Release Control and Validation
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – OSA
Operational Support and Analysis
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – PPO
Planning, Protection and Optimization
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – SOA
Service Offerings and Agreements
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Design
Service Design
Intermediate - Lean Six Sigma® – Green Belt
Green Belt
Novice - Lean Agile Project Management
Project Management
Novice - Accredited PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation
Introductory certification to PRINCE2® 2017 project management
Novice - Accredited ISO/IEC 20000:2011
Information technology – Service management
Novice - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Operation
Service Operation
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Strategy
Service Strategy
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Transition
Service Transition
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – CSI
Continual Service Improvement
Intermediate - PMI: Organizational Change Management
Implementing transformational projects
Intermediate - Accredited Agile Project Management Foundation (Scrum)
Agile Foundation
Novice - Lean Six Sigma® – Yellow Belt
Yellow Belt
Intermediate - Accredited ITIL® – Practitioner ITIL®
Practitioner
Advanced - Project Management Professional 6
PMP
Advanced - Accredited ITIL® Expert – MALC
Planning, Protection and Optimization
Expert - Accredited PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner
PRINCE2® Project Management 2017 Practitioner Level
Expert - How To Become an ITIL® Master
The most prestigious of the ITIL® qualifications
Expert
Get on the Field
Now that you know the paths for your team, how do you get each person on the right one and keep them there? An easy way is to invest in a training platform that is broad enough to meet everyone’s needs but also dives deeply enough to get beyond surface knowledge. Look for a platform that specializes in IT training.
Your chosen platform should also track everyone’s progress, allow you to assign and unassign seats, set learning paths and assign courses.
Tips for making sure your team is engaged in training:
- Include a segment on training at regular team meetings
- Discuss milestones at your one-on-one meetings with direct reports
- Share progress reports with the team
- Display certs in department hallways/conference rooms
- Publicly celebrate certifications achieved
- Tie training goals to individual and team KPIs
- Ensure managers are checking in on training metrics
What’s the Score?
You’ll truly know the score when you can show the return on investment (ROI) of your training spend. Here are a few metrics that can be part of your reporting:
- Track certifications achieved and how those certs add value to your team
- Note new skills added — cloud, security, etc. — with no travel expenses or time away from work at training/conferences
- Calculate the reduction in outsourcing needs when you upskill your existing team
- Show the number of episodes watched as a metric for how your team is staying ahead of tech
Be the Champion: How do you win at IT leadership?
Your team wins
when you have team members who feel that their careers are moving forward with new skills and certs.
Your organization wins
when you are maintaining systems, retaining employees, anticipating needs, and preventing lapses in service.
You win
when your workload is manageable, your staff is content, and your leaders trust you to get the job done.
Now get out there and grab your trophy!
Source: ITProTV