Management
Get Your IT Up To Speed
February 14, 2005

If no manager is responsible for coordinating your information technology, appoint one. Find and use the best in-house tutor available for each of the tools you need to do your job, e.g., spreadsheets, word processors, e-mail, PDAs. You’ll be more efficient, and each system you learn to use will provide perspective useful for new systems to come. If an in-house tutor is impractical, arrange outside training for you and any employees who need it.

Get in the habit of taking notes on important details, both as you read and at meetings. The process will help you remember the details, and the notes can be filed for reference.

Get in the habit of stopping the discussion for clarification whenever acronyms and jargon prevent communication. Similarly, when you’re reading something important to your business, look up definitions of whatever unclear jargon could add significant understanding.

Purchase some guides to technology for the non-tech management staff. Get guides for your application software too.Have your tech team provide links to the Web pages of your system vendors on your Intranet for easy access for answers to frequently asked questions.