“Do more with less” is not only a common phrase heard in watercooler jokes, it’s also a simple fact of reality, especially in IT.
There’s always more to do and less time to do it. Or, there’s more to do and less resources (and money) to go around to do it too, especially in ministry.
But, there are always some solutions. Here are 5 ways for you to help your IT professional from dying…
1. No Superheroes
Help him to understand that finishing all the tasks on his list is not the most important goal in his short life.
Try to encourage him to stop feeling like he or she needs to be superhero and more just like a person who’s exceptionally gifted with matters of IT but has little time and resources to finish everything.
Tell him it’ll be “ok” and that a dead IT professional (or just one that’s burnt out) is not a good thing.
2. Find People to Fill In the Gaps
There are more hands available than the IT guy cares to admit. I would know. Most of us are rampant control-freaks. Help us change!
There are definitely things that we don’t have to do and the rest of the staff could be trained to do well enough. Help the IT guy fill in the gaps!
3. Wait a Moment After Something Breaks
Not everything is an emergency. Trust me. If something breaks don’t immediately run and ask him what’s wrong. More than likely he already knows about it and is actively fixing it or he did it on purpose for an upgrade or fix of some sort.
Just take a moment, breathe, and then see if the problem fixes itself. In fact, hit that “reboot” button while you’re at it…
4. Technology Dogmatism Sucks
Be willing to give up some of the things you use on an everyday basis if your IT guy suggests an alternative that he proposes is better. Your technology solution is neither biblical nor is it explicitly stated in your doctrinal statement.
So give a little! Have a conversation with your IT guy about your solutions; I mean, that’s why you hired him, right? Because he knows a thing or two that you don’t?!
5. Treat Them Well (Pay Them Well)
This might be just my limited perspective but love on your IT guys a lot. We have to deal with stuff that just sucks and apparently we always get to interface with people when they are the most upset (because something is broken).
Treat your IT guys well!
Stuart says
Love it John.
#2 is something I’ve personally been doing for a while and am always actively looking for stuff that other willing bodies can do just to help me out.
John Saddington says
thanks stuart! this was fun to write.
Rich Stephens says
Y’know, as a software developer, I totally get what you’re saying well. As a son and brother to family members who are or were church staffers, I’d say that a few churches would do well to adopt this mindset for ALL staffers, not just the I.T. guy.
John Saddington says
good point rich. good point.
Laura says
Treat your IT gals well too!! 😉
John Saddington says
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Eric says
Ok.. #4 made me lol. I love the way that’s stated! #3 skipped a step: “Before calling your IT guy, reboot your computer and see if that fixes the problem.” =p
John Saddington says
teehee!
kennysnow says
#1 and #2 are tough to overcome, that’s a constant struggle with me. One of the really difficult parts of #2 is using volunteer help, but still maintaining security and privacy. Just one of those things to keep in mind.
I think the real secret to #2 is staff training, which, in general, I.T. people aren’t great at providing!