Got a new/dream job [Need encouragement/advise]

Hi all,

Long time since last post, always a lurker in this wonderful forum. To make long story short, I got a new job - from HelpDesk to Desktop Analyst, but was assigned to a Lead role and really have no idea why. This is my first Local IT post since I started in the industry. Maybe with the experience as a helpdesk but I have 0 leadership experience. Will be starting on the 12th and starting to chicken out. Any tips or advise once I'm in the field? Anyone had experience the same scenario? More power to this forum! Thanks!

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scaredoftests

Do not chicken out. You will kick yourself 9 ways to Sunday. Take alot of notes and ask questions. They hired you for a reason.

E Double U

What's wrong McFly, chicken?

You were chosen either because someone believes in you or you were the only available option. In either case, you have a great opportunity so make the most of it. Congratulations and good luck!

cyberguypr

Chicken out? Come on man! Rise up to the challenge. Many jobs ago when I left my desktop support lead role it was offered to another tech in my group. His exact response was "ehmm... nah, that's fine". I had to work my way up so that one guy saying no completely blew my mind. Don't be that guy.

doublehunter

They said the hiring manager was very impressed and appointed me as a Lead. A week before that discussion, I felt that I failed the interview - I know I could've answered the questions better.

I dont know if I am feeling this just because I am comfortable with my current job which is 15 min away from my place compared to the new office (roughly 2 hours commute). But I try to motivate myself that I am getting out of my comfort zone which is always good as others say. And there's a lot to learn since I will be exposed in an entirely new environment.

BTW - 5 analyst will support over 500 end-users in the office, is that perfectly fine?

doublehunter

Okay so thanks to all those advises got the job and im on my 1st month here. I need your opinion or suggestions on how I can be more productive/pro-active(you know so management will see that they did not make a mistake hiring me)

So we are a new office, main office is in Australia and UK and they setup a new office. We currently have below 20 employees at our site and still in the process of hiring more. So far what we do is imaging the laptops, asset tagging, monitoring queue/email, while Manager/Head of IT are looking for the best vendors for our hardware requirements. I am the one managing our hardware and keeping track to make sure that we never run out of laptops, headsets, mouse etc. I also make sure that new employees are ready to be on-boarded by setting up their computer requirements and system access ahead of time.

Any ideas for projects/improvement that we can implement? We are looking to have 50 or more employees before December. Need tips on how we can effectively track our hardware/licenses (they use spicework but use it only to track laptops and desktops) and also how to manage my team as it is my first time to be in a lead role.

didnt know how to edit > want this to be on the first post

Dojiscalper

The best leaders, let their team members do their jobs without making them feel like their being managed, then let them know when they are doing a good job and are appreciated. If you can do that, then for the most part your team will want to do the things you ask of them.

doublehunter

I brief them on what to do and how to do it or deal with it during our standups and advise them to ask as much questions as needed and always share knowledge with everyone and I also make sure to let them know they are appreciated. Anything I am missing please please let me know. I really do not know how to really handle people as all my previous lead just let me do my job and usually they say I dont need coaching as I already know how to do it the right way.

CIO

doublehunter wrote: »

I brief them on what to do and how to do it or deal with it during our standups and advise them to ask as much questions as needed and always share knowledge with everyone and I also make sure to let them know they are appreciated. Anything I am missing please please let me know. I really do not know how to really handle people as all my previous lead just let me do my job and usually they say I dont need coaching as I already know how to do it the right way.

Don't forget to make them aware of any training (certs, conferences etc..) that are available to them. If anyone on your team is new, im sure those would go a long way.

alias454

Dojiscalper wrote: »

The best leaders, let their team members do their jobs without making them feel like their being managed, then let them know when they are doing a good job and are appreciated. If you can do that, then for the most part your team will want to do the things you ask of them.

I agree with this. Be clear on what you expect from your team, be honest, always do what you say you are going to do, let them do their jobs, and don't sweat the small stuff.

TheFORCE

Setup weekly or bi-weekly meeting with the whole team and one-on-one meetings with them. Ask them about personal stuff, be more friendly and they will open up about their work also. Ask them if they are coming across any issues that you can improve or resolve, ask them the progress of their projects and provide updates as to how the whole team is doing. If you do not have ITIL, look into getting ITIL for yourself and for your whole team. Make sure you take responsibility of your team and let them know that you are there to help.

doublehunter

I do like 2-3 times 15mins huddle a week with them to give them heads up about whats happening specially now that its quite busy and lots to learn since we are all new to the business. Is that alot? I was about to study the ITIL before starting the job but my interest is with infra (i want 70-410) so did not take itil seriously. So far havent heard any certs or training opportunity as we are still new and working as contractors but once there is i will definately encourage them to get certified as i myself want to get certified and exposed to lots of technologies and i want the same for them as they look like their real interest is also in IT.

Trucido

Read some books on leadership, and business leadership. Learn how to be a "Supervisor" or "Manager." Who knows, maybe one day you'll end up being Director or higher. Just don't panic and simply do some studying on ways to be a better leader.

DatabaseHead

Stick with your interest, smart move staying with 70-410.

The every other day synch ups are a very smart move on your part, very SCRUM like. When I was managing a infrastructure team I had them weekly and found to really keep the team performing strong by doing so.

ITIL, lol.... Just focus on management and leadership and you'll do just fine.

powerfool

Read/listen to The Checklist Manifesto. This is really something that everyone should read, in all industries... and maybe every 5 years. You will have some certain perspective and things that you will glean from it each time.

cc.chen

can I please ask witch part of Canada do you located??

doublehunter

Hi Trucido

Yeah Ive been reading some leadership articles and books on my down time

DatabaseHead

What I think is leadership comes with maturity but 70-410 comes with alot of reading, labbing and watching videos so its hard work. I am speaking with the infra guys and we are planning to take the exam this December, just waiting for some discounts or any promo code. Our team will participate with them once the MPLS is up in the office so we will be exposed again to new things which is pretty exciting.

powerful

Checked some review of the book/ebook and looks really interesting. Will defnlately make sure to have my hands on that book

cc.chen

Im currently in Philippines because work is here and family is here also but I am from Ontario. Can go back anytime if anyone can give me a job. May I ask why?