Why Every Atlanta Manager Needs Basic IT Skills
What Happens When Managers Lack Tech Knowledge?
Many Atlanta businesses suffer not from cyberattacks, but from leadership that doesn’t understand how to prevent them. If you can’t recognize a phishing email or don’t know what “cloud backup” means, you’re at risk of:
- Data loss
- Poor decision-making
- Communication breakdowns with IT staff
- Higher costs due to inefficiency or breaches
Benefits of IT Knowledge for Managers
Knowing the basics helps you:
- Communicate better with your tech team
- Protect your company’s data
- Lead confidently in tech-related discussions
- Make smarter investments in IT tools and services
Top IT Skills Non-Tech Managers Should Master
These aren’t coding or engineering skills. These are real-world, practical skills that make managers more effective.
1. Cybersecurity Awareness
Cybersecurity is the #1 skill non-tech managers should learn. Why? Because cyber threats target people, not just systems. Phishing emails, social engineering, and ransomware don’t care about your job title.
What every manager should know:
- How to identify phishing scams
- The basics of ransomware and malware
- Importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Encouraging staff to use strong passwords
- Creating a “security-first” culture
2. Understanding Cloud-Based Tools
Most businesses use cloud tools like:
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
- QuickBooks Online
- Zoom, Slack, or Teams
Managers should know how these tools work and why cloud storage is safer and more scalable than local storage.
What to understand:
- How data is stored in the cloud
- Differences between local and cloud software
- Security features in cloud platforms
- Sharing and permissions best practices
3. Data Privacy and Compliance Basics
If you work in law, accounting, healthcare, or finance, compliance is not optional.
Key compliance frameworks:
- HIPAA (for healthcare and veterinary practices)
- PCI-DSS (for payment processing)
- GDPR & CCPA (for data privacy)
You don’t need to be a lawyer, but you should know:
- What data you collect
- Where it’s stored
- Who has access
- How it’s protected
4. Collaboration and Remote Work Tools
Since the pandemic, remote and hybrid work are here to stay. Managers must be familiar with:
- Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
- File sharing platforms (Dropbox, Google Drive)
- Team communication tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams)
Why this matters:
- Boosts team productivity
- Reduces tech frustration
- Helps manage virtual teams effectively
5. Communication Skills for Working with IT Teams
You don’t need to speak fluent “tech,” but you should:
- Know the basics of common IT terms
- Be able to explain problems clearly
- Understand what your IT team needs from you
This avoids confusion and saves time.
6. Password Management and Access Control
Poor password habits are a major cause of data breaches. Managers must set the tone.
Best practices to know:
- Use a password manager (like LastPass or 1Password)
- Require strong passwords (uppercase, symbols, etc.)
- Enforce MFA for all logins
- Control who has access to what systems
7. Backup and Disaster Recovery
If your business was hit by a cyberattack or power outage today, how would you recover?
Key concepts for managers:
- What is backed up (files, emails, systems?)
- How often backups happen
- How long recovery takes
- Who manages it (in-house vs. Managed IT provider)
How These Skills Help You Lead Better
Better Collaboration
You’ll work more effectively with IT professionals, whether in-house or through a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) like trueITpros.
Stronger Decision-Making
Tech-savvy managers make better purchasing and policy decisions. You’ll understand:
- When to invest in new systems
- When to upgrade security
- What tools your team really needs
Increased Productivity
You’ll waste less time dealing with simple tech issues or waiting for IT help. You’ll spot problems early and help solve them faster.
