Why Technical Skills Aren’t Enough: Building IT Teams with John Erickson, Ep #35

Tech Talent Today

What does it take to create an IT team that doesn’t just work well together but thrives over the long term? In this episode, John Erickson, Director of Information Technology at Berje, dives into the secret sauce of team building: developing people, not just delivering projects. With two decades of experience across industries like manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and banking, John shares how he identifies talent, nurtures potential, and fosters an environment of collaboration and growth. From coaching team members through challenges to celebrating their big wins, John’s people-first approach offers valuable insights for IT leaders and aspiring managers alike.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

0:00:00 — The role of people development in IT leadership

0:02:42 — How to spot top talent in interviews

0:05:16 — John’s favorite interview questions

0:07:54 — Can interpersonal skills be coached?

0:12:24 — Why technical skills are only part of the equation

0:17:25 — John's favorite leadership success stories

0:21:09 — Building a Collaborative Culture

0:30:49 — Final thoughts on leadership, retention, and growth

"The technical stuff is the easy stuff. These other things - developed over time - are important for you to be successful in a technology world. You need to be able to think and act and work among other people."- John Erickson

Hiring for More Than Just Skills

John emphasizes that the best IT hires aren’t just technically sound—they’re adaptable, collaborative, and focused on more than just the technology. He shares his go-to interview questions that reveal whether candidates can thrive as team players.

The Consequences of Neglecting Human Skills

John explains why balancing technical expertise with interpersonal skills is critical for long-term success. He shares a cautionary tale about a highly technical team member who struggled due to underdeveloped interpersonal skills. Listen to how this impacted the team and what lessons were learned.

Leading Through Coaching and Trust

John believes in giving his team members room to grow by offering opportunities for leadership and ownership. A standout example? Coaching a hesitant team member through a challenging project and watching their confidence soar as they succeeded.

Celebrating Success and Encouraging Growth

Whether it’s guiding someone from an entry-level role to executive leadership or helping a team member tackle a tough project for the first time, John’s stories showcase the power of a people-centered leadership style.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned IT leader who understands that building successful teams requires more than technical expertise. John's practical insights on developing talent, fostering growth, and creating a culture of trust and collaboration provide invaluable lessons for anyone looking to build and lead high-performing IT teams.

About John Erickson: John Erickson is a seasoned IT executive with extensive experience across diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, banking, and consumer packaged goods. His expertise spans various IT disciplines, driving innovation and efficiency in complex technological environments. John excels in coaching and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. He is currently Director, Information Technology at Berjé, Inc., a family-owned supplier of flavors, fragrances, and essential oils, located in Carteret, New Jersey. John holds a BBA in Computer Systems from Baruch College and an MBA in Finance from Fordham University Gabelli School of Business, both in New York City.

Resources:

Learn more about Berje: https://www.berjeinc.com

Gary Vaynerchuk, “The soft skills are actually the hard skills in business.”: Read here

Simon Sinek, “There’s NO Such Thing as ‘Soft Skills’”: Watch here

Connect with John Erickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-erickson/

Connect with Tech Talent Today host Jodi Kulek Mayer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodikulekmayer/

https://clearmonttech.com/

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