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10 strategies and tactics for It Manager

What is It Manager strategy?

Every great achievement starts with a well-thought-out plan. It can be the launch of a new product, expanding into new markets, or just trying to increase efficiency. You'll need a delicate combination of strategies and tactics to ensure that the journey is smooth and effective.

Crafting the perfect It Manager strategy can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're juggling daily responsibilities. That's why we've put together a collection of examples to spark your inspiration.

Copy these examples into your preferred app, or you can also use Tability to keep yourself accountable.

How to write your own It Manager strategy with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own strategies.

It Manager strategy examples

You'll find below a list of It Manager tactics. We also included action items for each template to make it more practical and useful.

Strategies and tactics for fulfilling promises towards the role of a design manager in an IT company

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Enhance team collaboration

    • Schedule regular team meetings to discuss ongoing projects
    • Implement a project management tool to track progress and share updates
    • Encourage open communication and feedback among team members
    • Organise team-building activities to strengthen relationships
    • Define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member
    • Facilitate conflict resolution sessions when necessary
    • Promote a culture of inclusivity and respect
    • Hold one-on-one meetings to understand individual challenges and goals
    • Share best practices and new design trends within the team
    • Celebrate team achievements and recognise individual contributions
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Ensure high-quality design output

    • Establish clear design guidelines and standards
    • Conduct regular design reviews and provide constructive feedback
    • Invest in training and development for the design team
    • Create a library of design resources and templates
    • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and incorporate them
    • Utilise user feedback to refine and improve designs
    • Encourage experimentation and innovation in design
    • Implement a quality assurance process for all design outputs
    • Collaborate with other departments to align design with company goals
    • Set measurable goals for design projects and track performance
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Drive project success

    • Define clear project objectives and deliverables
    • Create detailed project plans with timelines and milestones
    • Allocate resources effectively to meet project requirements
    • Coordinate with cross-functional teams for integrated project execution
    • Monitor project progress and adjust plans as needed
    • Communicate project status and updates to stakeholders
    • Identify and mitigate risks early in the project lifecycle
    • Solicit stakeholder feedback to ensure project alignment
    • Ensure timely completion of projects within budget
    • Conduct post-project evaluations to identify areas for improvement

Strategies and tactics for managing service and admin account through life cycle management

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Implement a clear account creation process

    • Define the roles and responsibilities for service and admin accounts
    • Set up a standard procedure for account requests and approval
    • Ensure proper documentation for all account creation requests
    • Utilise automated tools to create and configure accounts
    • Assign unique IDs and track account ownership
    • Educate staff on account creation policies and procedures
    • Integrate identity and access management solutions
    • Implement role-based access control (RBAC)
    • Perform regular audits of newly created accounts
    • Monitor account creation activity for any anomalies
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Maintain accounts efficiently

    • Regularly review and update account permissions
    • Enforce strong password policies and multifactor authentication
    • Implement automated account provisioning and de-provisioning workflows
    • Enable activity logging and monitoring for all accounts
    • Conduct periodic access reviews and re-certifications
    • Provide training on security best practices for administrators
    • Implement a system for securely handling privileged credentials
    • Use automated tools for configuring and managing service accounts
    • Establish a protocol for handling inactive or unused accounts
    • Integrate account management with other IT and security systems
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Decommission accounts securely

    • Define policies for account deactivation and deletion
    • Implement automated de-provisioning tools
    • Ensure secure backup and archiving of necessary account data
    • Remove or reassign resources and permissions associated with the account
    • Notify relevant stakeholders before decommissioning accounts
    • Conduct a final review and approval process before account deletion
    • Revoke access tokens and certificates linked to the account
    • Document the decommissioning process and maintain audit trails
    • Educate staff on the importance of securely decommissioning accounts
    • Regularly review and update decommissioning policies and procedures

Strategies and tactics for migrating users and environment from Server 2010 to Office 365

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Plan the migration

    • Conduct an inventory of all users, e-mails, and files
    • Assess current server usage and data volume
    • Create a timeline for the migration process
    • Determine compliance and security requirements
    • Identify key stakeholders and migration team members
    • Select the Office 365 subscription plan and licenses
    • Establish communication channels for updates
    • Document the migration strategy and procedures
    • Set up a contingency plan for unexpected issues
    • Inform all users about the migration process and timeline
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Execute the migration

    • Set up Office 365 tenant and configure basic settings
    • Create user accounts and assign necessary licenses
    • Migrate e-mails using Exchange Online or third-party tools
    • Transfer files to OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online
    • Test migrated data to ensure integrity and functionality
    • Configure Office 365 services like SharePoint and OneDrive
    • Install and configure Microsoft Teams for all users
    • Provide training resources on new platform functionalities
    • Monitor the migration process and address any issues
    • Communicate with users throughout the migration
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Post-migration optimisation

    • Verify that all data has been successfully migrated
    • Configure Office 365 security settings and policies
    • Optimise Office 365 services for performance and usability
    • Train users on Office 365 and Teams features and best practices
    • Consolidate feedback from users and address concerns
    • Implement productivity and workflow improvements using Office 365 tools
    • Regularly update and maintain the Office 365 environment
    • Encourage collaboration using Teams and SharePoint
    • Monitor usage patterns and adjust resources accordingly
    • Plan for periodic reviews and updates to the Office 365 setup

Strategies and tactics for enhancing management of service and admin account life cycles

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Establish clear account management policies

    • Develop a detailed account lifecycle policy
    • Define account creation, modification, and deletion processes
    • Incorporate regular policy reviews and updates
    • Ensure policies comply with industry standards and regulations
    • Train staff on new policies and procedures
    • Implement policy adherence checks and audits
    • Communicate policies clearly to all staff
    • Use templates for account-related documentation
    • Establish an approval workflow for account changes
    • Assign responsibility for policy enforcement
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement a robust account management system

    • Select a suitable account management software
    • Set up role-based access controls
    • Enable multi-factor authentication
    • Automate account provisioning and deactivation processes
    • Integrate account management software with existing IT infrastructure
    • Regularly update and patch the system
    • Monitor account activity and generate reports
    • Conduct periodic reviews and audits of accounts
    • Implement alerts for suspicious account activity
    • Provide training for IT staff on system usage and best practices
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance monitoring and auditing practices

    • Establish a schedule for routine account audits
    • Utilise monitoring tools to track account activity
    • Set up automated alerts for unusual account behaviours
    • Maintain logs of account creation, deletion, and modifications
    • Periodically review access levels and permissions
    • Perform regular vulnerability assessments
    • Enforce separation of duties to reduce risks
    • Document all findings and remediation actions
    • Communicate audit results to management and stakeholders
    • Develop an incident response plan for account-related breaches

Strategies and tactics for migrating users from Windows 10 to Windows 11

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Communicate and plan

    • Announce the migration plan to all users via email and intranet
    • Schedule meetings with department heads to discuss migration timelines
    • Create a migration FAQ document and distribute it
    • Establish a helpdesk for migration-related queries
    • Notify users about the features and benefits of Windows 11
    • Set up a migration timeline with milestones
    • Identify and list critical applications that need testing
    • Inform users about any potential downtime
    • Provide clear instructions for backup and data preservation
    • Create a feedback loop for users to report issues and suggestions
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Test and prepare

    • Select a pilot group of users to test the Windows 11 migration
    • Ensure critical applications are compatible with Windows 11
    • Configure a test environment to simulate the migration
    • Document any issues encountered during the pilot phase
    • Adjust migration plans based on pilot feedback
    • Prepare a step-by-step guide for the migration process
    • Create a checklist for post-migration tasks
    • Gather resources such as software keys and drivers
    • Ensure all hardware meets Windows 11 requirements
    • Develop a contingency plan for unexpected issues
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Execute and support

    • Initiate the migration process department by department
    • Perform regular check-ins with users during their migration
    • Provide on-site and remote support for any technical issues
    • Monitor the migration progress and update the timeline as needed
    • Ensure users' data is successfully transferred and accessible
    • Train users on Windows 11 features and functionalities
    • Keep communication channels open for troubleshooting
    • Collect feedback from users post-migration
    • Address any reported issues promptly
    • Evaluate the overall success of the migration plan and document lessons learned

Strategies and tactics for migrating staff to Windows 11

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Plan the migration

    • Conduct a hardware compatibility check for all 1500 staff machines
    • Create a detailed migration timeline with key milestones
    • Ensure all necessary licences and software are acquired
    • Develop a risk assessment and mitigation plan
    • Identify and train a project team to handle the migration
    • Create a communication plan to inform staff of the migration
    • Prepare documentation and training materials for staff
    • Set up a helpdesk or support team for post-migration issues
    • Determine backup procedures for data protection
    • Acquire additional resources if needed for successful migration
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Deploy in stages

    • Divide staff into manageable groups for phased deployment
    • Start with a pilot group to identify potential issues
    • Schedule migration sessions during off-peak hours
    • Monitor the pilot group’s transition and gather feedback
    • Adjust the migration plan based on pilot feedback
    • Roll out the migration to subsequent groups one at a time
    • Provide on-site support during each group’s migration
    • Ensure data and application consistency after each phase
    • Update progress and issues daily with the project team
    • Collect post-migration feedback from each group for continuous improvement
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Ensure post-migration support

    • Implement a post-migration helpdesk to handle immediate issues
    • Schedule follow-up training sessions for staff
    • Monitor system performance and user satisfaction continuously
    • Regularly check for and install Windows 11 updates
    • Conduct regular team meetings to discuss ongoing issues
    • Document common problems and solutions for reference
    • Arrange for ongoing technical support from the software vendor
    • Encourage staff feedback on the new OS experience
    • Regularly review and improve internal IT processes
    • Plan for periodic audits to ensure compliance and efficiency

Strategies and tactics for implementing automation to streamline existing processes

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Assess current processes

    • Identify key processes ripe for automation
    • Map out each identified process in detail
    • Evaluate current pain points and inefficiencies
    • Determine the potential impact of automation on each process
    • Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for automating each process
    • Gather input and feedback from team members involved in these processes
    • Compile a list of automation requirements and tools needed
    • Set objectives and key performance indicators for automation
    • Prioritise processes based on impact and feasibility
    • Create a project plan with timelines and milestones
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Select and implement automation tools

    • Research available automation tools and platforms
    • Request demos and trials from vendors
    • Assess the ease of integration with existing systems
    • Evaluate the scalability and flexibility of each tool
    • Check for user-friendliness and required technical expertise
    • Select the most suitable tools based on evaluation criteria
    • Develop a detailed implementation plan
    • Configure and customise tools as per requirements
    • Conduct pilot tests on selected processes
    • Roll out the tools across all identified processes
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Train staff and optimise processes

    • Develop comprehensive training materials for staff
    • Schedule and conduct training sessions
    • Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for staff
    • Set up a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement
    • Monitor and assess the performance of automated processes
    • Make necessary adjustments to optimise automation
    • Continuously review and refine automation strategies
    • Explore opportunities for further automation
    • Track key performance indicators and measure results
    • Report the outcomes and benefits of automation to stakeholders

Strategies and tactics for enhancing AI Application Development

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Assess current capabilities

    • Conduct a comprehensive analysis of current application development processes
    • Identify existing AI technologies and tools in use
    • Evaluate the skills and expertise of current staff in AI and machine learning
    • Analyse current infrastructure's capability to support AI integration
    • Review past projects to understand successes and challenges in AI deployment
    • Identify gaps in capabilities and areas for improvement
    • Benchmark capabilities against industry standards
    • Engage with stakeholders to gather insights on current pain points
    • Create a detailed report summarising findings
    • Set clear metrics to assess future improvements
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Invest in skill development and training

    • Develop a comprehensive training plan focusing on AI and machine learning
    • Partner with educational institutions for AI workshops and seminars
    • Provide access to online AI courses and certifications for staff
    • Encourage participation in AI conferences and networking events
    • Initiate an internal mentorship programme with AI experts
    • Set up a knowledge-sharing platform for AI best practices
    • Allocate time for employees to work on independent AI projects
    • Conduct regular assessments to measure skill improvement
    • Reward and recognise employees who achieve significant AI skills enhancement
    • Keep track of current AI trends and update training programmes accordingly
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement AI pilot projects

    • Identify key areas where AI can provide immediate benefits
    • Select a diverse team to lead the pilot projects
    • Define clear objectives and success criteria for the pilot projects
    • Gather data needed for the AI projects and ensure it is properly anonymised
    • Choose the appropriate AI tools and platforms for these projects
    • Establish a robust project management and monitoring framework
    • Document the processes and outcomes of each pilot project meticulously
    • Evaluate the performance against the set objectives
    • Gather feedback from stakeholders and end-users
    • Scale successful pilot projects into full-scale implementations if feasible

Strategies and tactics for developing a digital marketing strategy for a B2B IT company

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Optimise website and SEO

    • Conduct a full website audit and identify areas for improvement
    • Optimise website for speed and mobile responsiveness
    • Implement on-page SEO, including meta tags, headers, and keyword optimisation
    • Create high-quality, SEO-friendly content for the blog and service pages
    • Acquire backlinks from reputable sources through guest posts and partnerships
    • Implement technical SEO, including XML sitemaps and schema markup
    • Regularly update content to keep it fresh and relevant
    • Utilise tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor performance
    • Set up goal tracking to measure conversions and user engagement
    • Assign a dedicated SEO specialist to continuously monitor and optimise
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Leverage content marketing

    • Develop a content marketing strategy focusing on informative, high-value content
    • Identify key topics and keywords relevant to your target audience
    • Create a content calendar to ensure regular posting
    • Produce a mix of content types, including blogs, whitepapers, case studies, and infographics
    • Distribute content through various channels like social media, email, and guest blogs
    • Use marketing automation tools to segment the audience and deliver personalised content
    • Measure content performance using metrics like engagement, shares, and lead generation
    • Encourage team members to contribute their expertise and insights
    • Collaborate with industry influencers to expand reach
    • Assign a content manager to oversee content creation and distribution
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement targeted advertising

    • Use data analytics to identify the most effective channels for advertising
    • Create targeted ad campaigns on LinkedIn, Google Ads, and industry-specific platforms
    • Develop compelling ad copy and creatives that speak to the pain points and needs of your audience
    • Segment audiences based on job roles, industries, and company size for personalised messaging
    • Use retargeting ads to re-engage website visitors
    • Monitor ad performance and optimise campaigns based on data insights
    • Set up conversion tracking to measure the effectiveness of ads
    • Conduct A/B testing on ad copy and creatives to find the best performers
    • Allocate budget based on channel performance and ROI
    • Assign a dedicated paid advertising specialist to manage and optimise campaigns

Strategies and tactics for establishing primary systems

  • ⛳️ Strategy 1: Evaluate current systems

    • Conduct a thorough audit of existing systems
    • Identify strengths and weaknesses of current systems
    • Consult with key stakeholders to gather input
    • Benchmark against industry standards
    • Evaluate system performance metrics
    • Assess the user-friendliness of each system
    • Document inefficiencies and bottlenecks
    • Prioritise areas for improvement
    • Compile a detailed report of findings
    • Present findings to the leadership team
  • ⛳️ Strategy 2: Implement new systems

    • Research systems that address identified needs
    • Select vendors and request proposals
    • Evaluate proposals based on cost, features, and support
    • Lead a cross-functional team to pilot new systems
    • Gather feedback from pilot users
    • Make necessary adjustments based on feedback
    • Develop an implementation timeline
    • Coordinate system training for staff
    • Launch systems incrementally to ensure stability
    • Monitor initial usage and resolve issues promptly
  • ⛳️ Strategy 3: Maintain and optimise systems

    • Set up regular system performance assessments
    • Establish a maintenance schedule
    • Create a user feedback mechanism
    • Conduct ongoing training sessions for staff
    • Monitor system metrics for potential improvements
    • Review and update system documentation regularly
    • Implement updates and patches promptly
    • Maintain relationships with system vendors
    • Evaluate the need for system upgrades periodically
    • Report system health to leadership quarterly

How to track your It Manager strategies and tactics

Having a plan is one thing, sticking to it is another.

Having a good strategy is only half the effort. You'll increase significantly your chances of success if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

A tool like Tability can also help you by combining AI and goal-setting to keep you on track.

More strategies recently published

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

Planning resources

OKRs are a great way to translate strategies into measurable goals. Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the OKR framework:

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