In this lesson the topic is about managing, developing talent as well as being a good leader. To do this IT must focus on developing their capabilities. Following the framework that (McKeen and Smith) provides steps in developing capabilities. The first step is to create a management office for capabilities. This will set the governance for developing the capabilities. The second step is identifying IT capabilities that can create the outcome that companies want. Step 3 is to subdivide the capabilities into processes in order measure and evaluate the performance. Step 4 is determining what level of maturity IT capabilities are at and step 5 is linking the capabilities with the correct skill set.  By Identifying IT capabilities and linking them with matching skills, I believe organizations can better plan for staffing and training needs.

When managing IT talent there must be a strong leadership present to help develop and guide the talent. Qualities of a good IT leader are personal mastery and leadership skill (Mckeen and Smith). IT leaders must be able to adapt and handle different situations as well have soft skills to communicate at different levels of the organization. Providing motivation, have problem solving skills, mentoring are another set of skills a good IT leader should be able to demonstrate. I believe that all leaders in an organization not just IT require these skills. Another point that I agree with in the readings is that organizations must provide a supportive environment to in developing successful leaders without this I believe that individuals will not step up to take any initiative to take on a leadership role. Organizations do need to provide training in order to further develop IT leaders skills. As the IT environment is always changing leaders need to be well rounded, providing training programs will help leaders improve on their current skills as well as acquire new skills in dealing with situations in the IT environment.

Professionalism is another topic in this lesson that IT should incorporate into its culture. In the past IT personal did not have to interact with other parts of the organization and there for did not act in a professional manner but as IT is more involved in the business processes they must communicate with every level of an organization. Portraying professionalism by dressing appropriately (e.g. no ripped jeans), knowing the organizations business, having good attitude towards the company and caring about the job and being a good communicator (Mckeen and Smith) are some of the qualities of professionalism.  IT mangers should lead by example when it comes to demonstrating professionalism, they are ones that must set the culture of the IT department and how individuals should act and carry themselves. Offering training on professionalism will reinforce the values of the company.

Managing IT talent is a challenge as the environment is always changing, acquiring and retaining talent is very important. To be successful organizations need to have the appropriate IT staff assigned to a process of the business that matches their skill set. Organizations must have in place a good IT leader that can help retain and develop talent as well as get the most production out of the talent. Offering ongoing training will develop and retain IT talent. Training can also build trust and great attitude between the organization and the talent. Managing is difficult as you deal with different personalities and attitudes but having programs and a supportive environment will assist in relieving some of the difficulties. Organizations should always be looking to be supportive and develop both their IT leaders skills and the IT talent to be successful.