TP #3: Advices for Future Tech Directors

One of the most important things that I would like to convey to a future technology director is that it is important to demonstrate a high proactive attitude. The only way that he/she will be successful in the job will be to lead the pace and step into other people's shoes, not just to have a feel of the the work done but also to revitalize it and give it a push when it seems to be slowing down or not performing well enough.

Much of the work of a technology director is based on bringing together various stakeholders that can support his/her ideas. For this to occur, a lot of effort needs to be placed in informing the whole community of what is going on in a way that is comprehensible and appealing to each group (i.e. teachers, parents, students, etc.). Before sending any communication out, it is important to request other key people to read them and give their points of view on the tone of the message.

It is necessary to be acquainted with important people that may be helpful when it comes to funding ideas. Keeping these people informed of the achievements both by students and teachers could contribute to a long lasting relationship of support. People could even be invited to witness with their own eyes, the results of grants or donations.

In terms of the responsibilities as a technology director, I think that all the work done needs to be covered in depth. There may be other times in which work needs to be supervised with less detail, but it is important to find adequate moments to catch up with the details. These may not be directly related to the work load of a technology director, but may come as a result of other people around him that perform a trustworthy job. It may only take some time to read documents or hold meetings with key people to maintain a solid up-to-date view of the technology operation.

So, my final advice to future technology directors is to: build a trustworthy relationship with the people under his/her responsibility; hold as many meetings as possible whenever there is some area that requires your full attention and interest; Keep people informed of key aspects of the technology operation in the school; listen to what other people have to say even if it contravenes your own ideas; keep in mind that the only people who mostly benefit from all the efforts are the young generation of students that need to be equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in life.