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Performance Management

Technical Professionals’ Needs

Christopher Rice

The following is a list of professional needs unique to those who work in technical fields.

Achievement: Technical professionals are natural problem solvers. They like challenge and want their work to make a difference. Put their expertise to the test on projects linked to important organizational goals.

Autonomy: Technical professionals crave independence. They are motivated by the very nature of their work, and they prefer a high level of discretion and control. Tell them what needs to happen and leave “the how” up to them.

Collegial Support and Sharing: Competitive spirit is strong among technical professionals, who are generally confident, ambitious people. Yet, they value idea sharing and networking. Establish supportive, collegial (not directive) relationships with them.

Keeping Current: Obsolescence in unacceptable to technical professionals (and is, in fact, a danger to their career). They want to know the latest, have the inside scoop and be the first to try new ideas or gadgets. Provide continuous learning opportunities and break up routine responsibilities with more exciting projects.

Participation in Mission and Goals: Technical professionals can be reluctant to commit to mandated goals unless they understand how they and your organization will benefit. Unexpected changes also threaten their high achievement needs. Involve them in goal setting and clearly explain new directions.

Professional Identification: Technical professionals tend to identify with their fields of interest or profession first and their organization second. Take the time to align their professional goals and affiliation needs with your most important priorities.

Leaders' Skill Gaps

Coaching and developing the technical professionals who report to me.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 83 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 46 percent

Communicating effectively at all levels of my organization.

Need: Extremely or Very Important - 92 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 56 percent

Receiving feedback from others.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 83 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 49 percent

Giving specific, relevant feedback.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 88 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 57 percent

Building a strong reputation for me and my team throughout the organization.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 84 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 56 percent

Encouraging my employees to take initiative in solving problems.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 87 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 62 percent

Building collaborative relationships throughout my organization.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 93 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 66 percent

Encouraging risk taking and innovation within my team.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 69 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 42 percent

Building trust with my team.
Need: Extremely or Very Important - 90 percent
Skill: Extremely or Very Effective - 78 percent

Source: BlessingWhite’s 2006 “Leading Technical Professionals” Report  

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