There’s a growing problem in organisations everywhere and it is not technology.
It is the skills gap.
Recent reports show that only a small fraction of leaders feel confident their teams have the right mix of skills for the future. HR leaders in Australia warn that leadership and communication gaps are just as critical as technical shortages.
For IT managers, this is more than an industry headline. It is personal.
Why? Because promotions are rarely about “more technical brilliance.” They are about whether others believe you can step up and lead. And if your skills profile is all technical and no leadership, you risk being overlooked.
Here are the most common gaps I see holding IT managers back:
1) Influence without authority – many can solve problems, but few know how to guide people who do not report to them.
2) Executive communication – translating technical complexity into a message that senior leaders can act on.
3) Trust and presence – showing up in a way that makes colleagues feel confident, not confused.
The technical ceiling is not just a career metaphor. It is an organisational risk. Companies cannot afford to have brilliant minds stuck below their potential because leadership skills are missing.
The good news? These gaps are fixable. With the right focus, IT managers can learn to:
Engage people as well as they engage with systems
Lead conversations instead of simply contributing
Build influence across the organisation, not just in their domain
Humour is more than just a way to get a laugh, it’s a valuable leadership skill that helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a positive team culture. Used well, it can make your communication more memorable and help others feel at ease. Explore more ways to use humour to enhance your influence and leadership impact.
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