I'm about to become a network manager - any tips?

[bandgeekmafia78]

Hi,

 

In 4 weeks time I'll become a network manager at a new school. I've been a Senior ICT Technician for over 4 years and deputised as network manager on quite a few occassions.

 

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for starting out as NM? Can anyone share their experiences of when they first stepped up to this position?

 

Ta very muchly

 

Alan.

[Pottsey]

Do not go in trying to shake the place up right away. Get a feel for the place first, then slowly introduce new things.

[pete]

a) Realise how much crap your network manager has been shielding you from over the years

b) Assuming they left on amicable terms, take the previous incumbent to the pub for the afternoon and quiz them (you're buying). The really useful stuff generally comes out around pint number 4

c) Get to know someone in each department well enough to talk to over coffee. They're the person you use to get a feel for IT needs/wants/lingering problems in the dept that they may not otherwise mention (or mention too late).

d) To cut down on your initial workload, champion peoples desired projects (provided they're sensible), but give them a series of things they need to do to get it moving. Rule of thumb is "I can tell SMT until I'm blue in the face that you would really like and benefit from $foo, but if they don't see and hear that from you as well, you won't get it."

e) Agree "bandgeekmafia78's hiding somewhere" time where you're uncontactable (expect by the PFY for emergencies) with SMT. This is when you get big things done.

f) Related to the above, find hiding places in friendly departments. Alternate frequently*.

 

*my boss is known for hiding in my office sometimes and I in his, so they're no longer safe places.

Edited July 7, 2009 by pete

[bandgeekmafia78]

Pete,

 

a) I'm prepared for this one!

b) The previous NM left on really bad terms. Doubt they'll want to help the school out

[pete]

Pete,

 

a) I'm prepared for this one!

b) The previous NM left on really bad terms. Doubt they'll want to help the school out

 

Hope like hell there's some documentation then or it's "interesting times" while you play Jenga with a bunch of interdependent computing devices, a port scanner and guesswork.

[penfold]

Also be aware that the reason he left on bad terms is not always one sided. Be prepared to have people complain regarding things the last NM wouldn't do without actually knowing why.

 

Dont promise too much when you start and give your self time to get up to speed before making the changes people want. And most of all enjoy it, go in with a fresh attitude and people will probably appreciate that if relations had become strained with the previous NM.

[Netman]

Run, run very fast indeed.... in fact, learn to fly

[sparkeh]

Take it slowly to start with. I made it clear when I started that there wouldn't be a revolution but I would take my time to see what was working well, what wasn't and where I thought we should be going.

After a while I talked to SMT and we agreed our future path.

 

Identify key people and get them on your side. Implementing change is a lot smoother if you have the backing of the right people. I don't just mean SMT or department heads but there are always people who have an impact at any level. I usually roll things out to a small group of people who I know are going to get noticed using it. Its a lot easier to conduct a training sessions when the majority of the group have already asked you if they can use the new service/piece of software/piece of kit than stand in front of them cold and tell them whythey should be using it.

 

Don't overstretch yourself. When I started I eagerly took on everything that came my way but this can lead to not doing everything as well as you want to. Learning to make your workload manageable is a real skill that took a while for me to learn (and how to say no)

[Iain.Faulkner]

Hi Bandgeekmafia,

 

Just looked at your location, and was wondering which school you've got the network manager's post at?

 

I know there was one going in our LEA (which isn't a million miles from your location), and just wondered if you'd gotten that post (particularly given your comment about the NM leaving under a bit of a cloud).

[jamesb]

First job to do when you get there, make a network map. It doesn't have to be hideously complicated just make sure its got the important servers and their IP addresses, and anything else important. It might take some time to begin with but it'll save you plenty later on.

 

Second thing to do is explore the AD structure (assuming they're using vanilla, otherwise explore the layout of any management software they're using). Having spent a little while looking through and seeing the commands available will make you much more effective when a user has an issue, as you won't have to hunt around for the right functions.

 

Third, have a cup of tea in the staff room now and then. Chat to the staff and be friendly (or as friendly as you can stand, remember to have a quiet space to retreat to if they get a bit much).

 

Fourth, and finally, get in touch with other network managers in your area whether through edugeek or some other method. Some of them will have seen the issues you might come across, and you might have picked up a few things that'll help them. Share knowledge.

[mb2k01]

I partly disagree to some of the suggestions so far...

 

Go in open-minded, but if something is clearly not right, and you know a better way then make sure people know you're not afraid to make changes (just be prepared to qualify them if/when asked - and make sure teaching and learning as at the centre of all decisions!)

 

If the previous NM left on bad terms I'd be tempted to check out basics security at least and change passwords on admin accounts, switches, etc etc

[maark]

Good practice to change admin passwords - but just be careful on what services depend on what user account or you find services stopping and throwing a spanner in the works.

Need to map out physical layout of switches if not documented - took me ages here - tyr procurve manager if you have HP switches -can use on free trial initally,

chhers Mark

[CHR1S]

Sorry if these are repeats -

 

• Dont jump in feet first
  
• Be transparent where needed to earn trust
  
• Dont let people get away with murder at first as you will never get them back later
  
• Explain any changes, why your doing them and how it will benefit the users
  
• Resign yourself to the fact that regardless of how well prepared you are someone or something will always throw a spanner in.
  
• Be honest with your time scales
  
• If you cant do something say so, but offer to find out or ask for help.
  

[ricki]

The only tips I will give is get a stress ball for the roller coaster to come.

 

Expect to be distrusted and ignored.

 

Remember when you comment about things that are done in a strange way there may be a good reason for it which I am sure you will find out in several years.

 

Lastly remember the last network manager left on poor terms for a reason and you may have the same or similar problems. I took over from someone who was not very motivated. I now understand why.

 

 

Richard

[Ric_]

Always begin with a 'no' and then compromise with requests. If you say 'yes' straight away it will be expected every time and then people will start to complain that you didn't present them with the moon on a stick 30 seconds ago!

[inewman]

1. Form an ICT user group. it is the best way to get feedback from staff. We have about 8-10 people on ours from across the school. It makes the Network Dept seem a bit more transparent rather than just the room where they practice the black arts.

2. Be nice to the headteacher - they will decide your next pay increase

3. Buy cakes, for some reason teachers seem obsessed by them - this is not a joke, it has an instant affect (or is that effect - always get that wrong).

[ricki]

Sorry

 

I forgot when you get suppliers ring say "I have no money" it works every time lols.

 

Richard

[Bezwick]

Purchase a cat with long fur that fits nicely on your knee and practice your evil laugh for when anyone asks you for a favour.

Works for me.

[gaz350]

ensure the right proccesses are in place for reporting problems and make sure people follow procedure!!!!!!

 

best thing i did when i took over, stopped the queue at my desk expecting instant help

[tmcd35]

Do as little as possible for as long as possible. The first week or so you should be easing into things.

 

Your first job is your Techies, if you're blessed with any. Watch them, see how they currently work. Make them nervous and work shadow them. And by all means keep asking them questions. 6 months into my first NM role and am still constantly asking my team where things are or how things are currently done (even if a pretty much know the answers now).

 

The first thing I did was get to know the Network Infrastructure. The IP range, generally which block of IP's were reserved for which devices, important shares, server configs, etc.

 

Next up is budget, can't believe no ones mentioned this yet. The sooner you know what budgets you are in control of and how much is available in each, the sooner you can start planning.

 

One of the best thing to do early on is complete the Becta ICT Investment Planner - Becta Schools - ICT investment planner - You will gain a massive insight to IT through out the school as you go round finding the answers needed to complete this, I did! And you'll so start seeing what needs doing, what improvements are needed.

 

Finally, stay logged on here! The guys and girls on this forum are your life line use us, we're here to help

[Sylv3r]

Give it a term and sit back and see what the issues are and where you can improve what is currently in place. Try and support teachers as much as possible when you first start to get them on your side especially if the old NM has left on bad terms. I would then try and arrange meetings with heads of department and see how they currently use ICT and how they would like to do this. It then gives you an opportunity to see what the skills are of the staff in the school.

 

I would plan a short, medium and long term plan with costings on paper so you have an idea what you hope to achieve over a number of years. I think you should forget about the luxuries initially and just make sure things work before jumping in with two feet.

[bandgeekmafia78]

Thankyou everyone, some very useful posts here (especially the one about getting a big fluffy cat to stroke!).

 

No doubt I'll be using Edugeek a whole lot more in the future, theres obviously a lot of talented Network Mangers out there

 

Alan.