How the IT industry created a generation of BABY BOSSES who can't lead

The IT industry is known for its fast-paced innovation and disruption, but also for its young and inexperienced leaders. Many of these leaders have risen to the top of their fields without much formal education or training, unlike other domains of practice. They have mastered the technical skills, but not the emotional and social ones that are essential for effective management.

This article explores the challenges and consequences of having baby bosses in the IT industry, who often lack the maturity and wisdom to lead their teams and organizations. It compares their situation with the evolutionary and psychological stages of human development, and argues that management is not just a task, but a skill that requires learning and practice. It also leads to the Peter's principle, which states that people tend to rise to their level of incompetence, and how it applies to the IT industry.

Finally, the article discusses some of the solutions and recommendations for improving the quality and performance of IT leaders, such as providing them with coaching, mentoring, feedback, and training. It also suggests that they should not demand more money for their management responsibilities, but rather see them as an opportunity to grow and develop as professionals and as human beings.

The IT industry is one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors in the world, constantly creating new products, services and solutions that transform the way we live and work. However, this rapid technological emancipation also poses some challenges for the professionals who work in this field, especially when it comes to their emotional well-being and career development.

One of the main issues that IT professionals face is the pressure to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the market and the customers, as well as the constant need to learn new skills and update their knowledge. This can create a sense of insecurity, stress and anxiety, as well as a feeling of being left behind by their peers or competitors.

Another issue is the difficulty of finding a balance between their technical expertise and their managerial skills. Many IT professionals are highly skilled in their specific domains, but lack the ability to lead, motivate and inspire others. This can limit their career prospects, as they may not be able to advance to higher positions or take on more responsibilities.

A possible analogy for this situation is the medical profession, where doctors have to undergo at least 12 years of schooling before they can practice independently. This ensures that they have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, as well as a high level of professionalism and ethics. However, this does not mean that they are automatically good managers or leaders. In fact, many doctors struggle with managing their staff, communicating with their patients, or dealing with administrative tasks.

Similarly, IT professionals need to develop not only their technical competencies, but also their emotional intelligence and leadership abilities. They need to evolve and mature psychologically, as well as technologically. They need to understand themselves and others better, and learn how to influence, persuade and collaborate effectively.

One way to achieve this is to redefine what management means in the IT industry. Management should not be seen as a separate function or role, but as an integral part of every IT professional's job. Management should not be defined as an ability to control or direct people, but as an ability to inspire and empower them. Management should not be based on hierarchy or authority, but on trust and respect.

This also implies a change in the way IT professionals are rewarded and recognized for their work. Instead of asking for more money or perks for the time they have to allocate for management tasks, they should see management as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and to contribute more value to their organization and society.

By embracing this new mindset, IT professionals can overcome the challenges posed by the rapid technological emancipation, and enjoy a more fulfilling and rewarding career.