There are always exceptions but I’d take the experienced leader over the technically inexperienced 9 times out of 10
In the end, it helps a lot to know how do their work for the team.
Studies have shown that the benefit of having a competent boss is the largest positive influence of a team member’s job satisfaction and performance. But what does competency look like? Technical acumen or the ability to support the team member in their role to be successful?
There have been many instances of IT leaders that lead highly technical teams but do not have the same background as their team. Truly effective leaders add value by enabling things to happen, not necessarily by doing the work. Good leaders practice seeing the bigger picture, and leave mastering the details to their team.
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Accountability - There's no system for accountability - we just rely on people keeping their word33%
Innovation - There's a structured process to contribute an idea and see the eventual outcome and decisions53%
People - Our company finds it difficult to do any of the above33%
People - Laggards hold things back but certain people and teams make it happen31%
General - We find it difficult to do any of the above15%
IT - We are held back from most of the above by legacy systems and a dependence on IT24%
Processes and Workflow - We've reached a point where email, chat and documentation have been replaced with accountable tasking and repeatable processes17%
Processes and Workflow - We publish processes or documentation and try to keep it up-to-date13%
Something else (comments below)1%
Yes43%
No57%
organized a virtual escape room via https://www.puzzlebreak.us/ - even though his team lost it was a fun subtitue for just a "virtual happy hour"
With an IT staff of over 10 people, it is an almost impossible task.