7 ways IT leaders derail their careers

Falling off track is easy when you make a mistake that can turn a career superstar into a bit player.

The moment typically arrives without warning. An IT career that showed every sign of success — steady promotions, salary increases, a better office — suddenly slams to a halt. You’re fired, demoted or involuntarily plateaued. What happened?

It’s impossible to rebuild a broken career without first understanding how it was derailed. The “Success Express” frequently slips off the rails due to a mistake, oversight, offense or miscalculation made in total innocence or ignorance. Often, the victim doesn’t even realize that he or she has made a career-crippling move.

Falling off track is easy when you make a mistake that can turn a career superstar into a bit player.

1. Not looking beyond IT

2. Failing to acquire critical non-IT skills

3. Neglecting business relationships