Chapter 34. A Guide for Nontechnical Managers

This chapter looks at the relationship between nontechnical managers and the senior technical staff in the system administration organization. The chapter examines the relationship between the SA staff and its management chain, as well as the relationships between the managers of the customer base and the senior technical SA staff. In particular, this chapter is geared for the nontechnical manager to which the system administration organization reports. Nontechnical managers may also wish to to consult Chapters 21 and 30, which cover system administration organizational structures, the strengths and weaknesses of the centralized and decentralized models, and how they affect the team.

Both the SAs and the managers have certain expectations of and responsibilities to each other. To form a good relationship, both parties must understand what those expectations and responsibilities are and how to meet them. Good relationships are based on mutual respect and good communication. This chapter includes techniques that encourage both.