Retaining top-level IT talent is far from easy. Where should you seek out such skilled workers? Your engineers, according to CIO.com.
In a recent article, writer Sharon Florentine highlighted three reasons engineers can make excellent IT leaders.
1. They're focused on the future. Engineers are constantly thinking about how to improve technology in the long-term. "They're going to be forward-thinking; always looking at the next big thing in technology and figuring out how to apply that in their day-to-day work," said Larry Gadea, CEO of software company Envoy, according to the report. "That's going to show up in the solutions they build."
2. They're skilled at hiring. By focusing on their previous experiences, engineers know exactly what to look for in potential candidates. "They know how to screen for rockstar talent," Mr. Gadea said, according to the report. They also understand unique engineering traits, such as the fact that when an engineer's wearing headphones, he or she is on a roll and shouldn't be disturbed. "It's these little conventions and quirks within the engineering and development world that make a difference to other engineers," Mr. Gadea added.
3. They can be used to recruit. Not only can engineers help spot top talent among recruits, but their skills and love of your company can also be used as a marketing tool to potential candidates. "[I]f you have star talent, especially in a leadership role, use that as a recruiting hook," said Kathy Harris, managing director of Harris Allied, a tech recruiting company.