Comment Good managers don't have to be technical. (Score 2, Insightful) 811
Just to start out with, I am a technical IT manager, and I'm quite knowledgeable about everything that my department works on.
Now, that being said, to do my job, you don't have to be a technical whiz. It certainly helps, but isn't a requirement.
Many good managers of technical departments are not technical themselves. They work on budgets, planning, and leave the technical decision making up to their underlings. If, as a manager, they employ qualified, knowledgable employees, he can rely on their skills for the technical stuff, and he can use his managerial skills to keep the department happy, funded and well-respected.
The technical guys can do what they are good at, and the manager can do what he is good at.
Now, if your manager is non-technical, as well as a being poor at budgeting, politics and management, I agree with the department sitting down with the company president as a group and explain the situation.
Now, that being said, to do my job, you don't have to be a technical whiz. It certainly helps, but isn't a requirement.
Many good managers of technical departments are not technical themselves. They work on budgets, planning, and leave the technical decision making up to their underlings. If, as a manager, they employ qualified, knowledgable employees, he can rely on their skills for the technical stuff, and he can use his managerial skills to keep the department happy, funded and well-respected.
The technical guys can do what they are good at, and the manager can do what he is good at.
Now, if your manager is non-technical, as well as a being poor at budgeting, politics and management, I agree with the department sitting down with the company president as a group and explain the situation.
