by John Sule | Jan 16, 2019 | Articles
It is predicted and expected that in 2019 and beyond that there will be digital transformation and rapid changes in the tech industry. “Innovation Accelerators” such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Augmented or Virtual Reality (AR/VR) are just some of the technologies that businesses and companies are preparing for to keep up with the digital transformation.
Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Worldwide IT Industry Predictions as reported by the International Data Corporation (IDC).
1. By 2022, over 60% of global GDP will be digitized with growth in every industry driven by digitally-enhanced offerings, operations, and relationships.
2. By 2023, 75% of all IT spending will be on 3rd Platform technologies, as over 90% of all enterprises build “digital native” IT environments to thrive in the digital economy.
3. By 2022, over 40% of organizations’ cloud deployments will include edge computing, and 25% of endpoint devices and systems will execute AI algorithms.
4. By 2022, 90% of all apps will feature microservices architectures that improve the ability to design, debug, update, and leverage third-party code; 35% of all production apps will be cloud-native.
5. By 2024, a new class of professional developers producing code without custom scripting will expand the developer population by 30%, accelerating digital transformation.
6. From 2018 to 2023, with new tools/platforms, more developers, agile methods, and lots of code reuse, 500 million new logical apps will be created, equal to the number built over the past 40 years.
7. By 2022, 25% of public cloud computing will be based on non-x86 processors (including quantum); by 2022, organizations will spend more on vertical SaaS apps than horizontal apps.
8. By 2024, AI-enabled user interfaces and process automation will replace one-third of today’s screen-based apps. By 2022, 30% of enterprises will use conversational speech tech for customer engagement.
9. By 2022, 50% of servers will encrypt data at rest and in motion; over 50% of security alerts will be handled by AI-powered automation, and 150 million people will have blockchain-based digital identities.
10. By 2022, the top four cloud “mega platforms” will host 80% of IaaS/PaaS deployments, by 2024, 90% of G1000 organizations will mitigate lock-in through multi- and hybrid cloud technologies and tools.
IT companies and businesses are currently on their toes to make sure they will not vanish because of the transformation. As a professional, have you asked yourself the big question:
“Does your job include repetitive tasks and simple activities that can be easily replaced with any of the emerging innovation and technology?”
If the answer is yes, then it’s time to do something about it before you lose your career.
Changes in technology and business approaches can leave you behind and get you off track, especially if you are unable to keep up with the developments and have failed to improve your skills. You will watch your colleagues take better positions, enjoy better pay, and accomplish high-profile assignments.
Here are some tips to avoid losing your career’s velocity:
- First of all, choose a job that you have passion and fits you.
For a deep dive discussion, you can read: How to Pick a Career (That Actually Fits You)
- Focus on the correct metrics and continuously improve your skills. Grab the opportunities to use the new technologies and platforms available. Never settle on what you already know, but learn new techniques and processes so you’ll grow with the company.
- Show your value at work and deliver successful projects so they’ll know why you deserve a promotion or a raise.
- Improve your leadership capability by mentoring junior people. You may be surprised how it can change your career path for the better in the future.
- Help the organization find more efficient processes and solutions to make it run smarter and more efficiently.
- Challenge yourself to become a better version every day. Ask for feedback from manager or supervisors on how you are doing so you can do better.
While job satisfaction can be an essential part of staying in a company, in the world of innovation, learning new things and reinventing yourself can be the best cure to avoid getting off track in your career.
Be inspired and empowered in 2019 and beyond!
Let’s stay positive and connected in 2019!
To learn more about finding the right candidate for your open positions, give us a call at 847-202-3242 or email us at connect2htp@htpartners.com.
For a “No-Pressure” conversation with John Sule, schedule a call.
“Building talented teams where talent matters.”
–Horizon Technology Partners
by John Sule | May 24, 2018 | Articles
Technologies like Artificial Intelligence and automation have rapidly evolved which help different industries progress and compete to stay on top of their game.
According to Statista.com, the majority of startup companies in the AI market are focusing on applications which allow computers to work without human assistance. Studies show that the worldwide revenue from the AI market will increase tenfold between 2017 and 2022. It is crucial that businesses and different industries know how to use this technology to their advantage and keep up with these inevitable changes.
An article entitled “Artificial Intelligence for the Real World” from Harvard Business Review explained the different types of AI and how they can support the three business needs:
Process automation
AI automates business processes using the technology of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) which act like human inputting information from multiple IT systems.
Cognitive insight
A machine-learning application gains more detailed insight through data analysis which uses algorithms that detects patterns in vast volumes of data.
Cognitive engagement
This technology uses natural language processing chatbots or intelligent agents engaging with customers and employees to address issues and process requests.
The fact that AI technology can automate business processes, mimic the human brain activity to recognize patterns, and interact with humans…poses a question relevant to me, and perhaps you: “Can AI robots replace humans in the recruitment process?”
- Recruiters spend hours going through resumes to find the right talent, and AI robots can automate the process and use the data to make a decision, but can they detect if a person fits the role and will work well with the team, particularly their soft-skills?
- Recruiters use psychology to determine the values and behavior of a candidate, and AI robots can mimic human brain activity to recognize patterns but do they have an instinct or a clear picture of the candidate standing in front of them?
- Recruiters interact with employers, employees, and candidates, and AI robots can simulate human conversation and be available 24/7, but can you build meaningful and trustworthy relationships with robots?
Google Duplex has been in the news recently. It is an impressive (if not a bit spooky) new technology that will enable people to have natural conversations with a machine. The article “Google Duplex: An AI System for Accomplishing Real-World Tasks over the Phone” explains how the system works and the benefits it entails for businesses and users. Some of the benefits are:
- It can reduce no-shows appointments, and rescheduling or cancellation will be easy.
- A reduced training cost since a company does not need to train anyone to benefit from the technology.
- It allows hearing-impaired users and those who do not speak the local language to carry out tasks over the phone.
In the future, Artificial Intelligence will continue to be developed with greater sophistication. Eventually, AI technology will be able to take-up a significant role in the hiring process, but the fundamental human skills, experience, and professional judgments that are brought to bear in this process, especially with “elite” hires, will be difficult to replace, as many will agree.
If you would like to learn more about finding the right candidate for your open positions, give us a call at 847-202-3242 or email us at connect2htp@htpartners.com.
For a “No-Pressure” conversation with John Sule, schedule a call
“Building talented teams where talent matters.”
–Horizon Technology Partners
by John Sule | Apr 30, 2018 | Articles
“The first job of a leader at work or at home is to inspire trust. It is to bring out the best in people by entrusting them with meaningful stewardships and to create an environment in which high-trust interaction inspires creativity and possibility.”
That quote is from Stephen Covey who was an American educator, businessman, keynote speaker and author of the famous book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“. It means that Trust is equal to Engagement which results in increased performance.
Trustworthiness at a workplace is being honest, dependable and being reliable to get things done right. Without trust, allies can become enemies. However, trustworthiness is not just about employees feeling good about the company, but also having the confidence that a leader instills trust in the organization which contributes to the employee’s engagement and retention.
The article “Building Trust at Workplace– How Important Is It?” listed down the six consequences of lack of trust in the workplace which includes:
- Lower productivity
- No delegation of authority
- A load of work increases
- New ideas will not be welcomed
- Increased cost
- Competitors may win
A leader should also be trustworthy. There’s an interesting article in the Harvard Business Review by Professor David DeSteno of Northeastern University entitled “Who Can You Trust?” which shows the results performed on research about trustworthiness. It answered the questions “Are we trustworthy?” and “How does trustworthiness look like to those we interact with?” It also includes 4 points to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to do business with a new partner.
A reputation earned doing business with one customer with one set of costs and benefits cannot be relied on to hold up when trade-offs or accountability change. It merely means that trustworthiness depends on circumstances.
Research by Paul Piff, a social psychologist at Berkeley, suggests that indicators of socioeconomic status can predict trustworthiness. As explained, a person’s honesty depends on his relative feelings of power, and not on how much money he has in the bank. So when deciding whom to trust, consider new and temporary power differences.
- Confidence Often Masks Incompetence
We often associate confidence with competence. There will be no harm done if someone can back up his confidence with consistent performance, but if you fall for deluded posturing, then that is when the problem comes in. So do not forget to do your research, although reputation cannot be an indicator of integrity, it is a reliable predictor of competence.
- It is OK to Trust Your Gut
Some findings demonstrate that our minds come with built-in trust detectors, but we sometimes suppress our intuitive machinery by taking into consideration what we believe to be more rational predictors and mistakenly looking for the wrong nonverbal cues. Trust your gut and allow your mind to arrive at a judgment undisturbed by predictors and wrong nonverbal cues.
Horizon Technology Partners believes that TRUST is one of the key factors in creating a long-term relationship with employees and clients. Here’s an interview with a client named Brian, a Software Development Manager, who expressed trust and confidence with HTPartner’s dedication and commitment to providing elite staff.
Brian: “He supplies people who are so passionate at their jobs, and he made them qualified team members, good team-oriented personnel, and they spoke well. I can’t think of anyone that I did not like that he brought forward, and in some cases they were fantastic.”
Are you also looking for a trustworthy provider of IT Talents, as well as elite staff that you can trust?
For a “No-Pressure” conversation with John Sule, schedule a call
If you would like to learn more about finding the right candidate for your open positions give us a call at 847-202-3242 or email us at connect2htp@htpartners.com.
“Building talented teams where talent matters.”
–Horizon Technology Partners
by John Sule | Apr 11, 2018 | Articles
More than just a French term, “esprit de corps” is the sense of unity and commitment to achieving a common goal. It is persistently pulling each other together even in times of great adversity. It is a spirit of devotion and loyalty that each organization rely on to achieve success. Thus, Horizon Technology Partners believes that aside from providing talents with significant expertise, a professional should also be able to fit into the company’s ecosystem and should be committed to working with the team on a long-term basis.
Linda, Director of a Major Financial Institution, emphasized the importance of esprit de corps in an organization: “I think the collaboration that you get out of enjoying the people you work with causes you to have a better sharing of ideas and feel more comfortable on exposing yourself because IT is collaborative. So I think many times the end product has a lot more value added because you have people who really like to share and exchange of ideas.”
Although, it is a reality that in every working environment, conflicts can arise, as well as jealousy, one-upmanship, and misunderstanding. People have differences that could get in the way of ensuring harmony and loyalty. However, there are ways on how to deal with them and promote esprit de corps within an organization.
Michael Feuer, an entrepreneur, management consultant, venture capitalist, speaker, and author, wrote the article “How To Create ‘esprit de corps’ In Your Organization” which explains how a leader’s actions and effort contribute to molding a culture and establishing esprit de corps in a company. According to him, there are different strategies for achieving esprit de corps, here are some:
1. Create and focus on a single and common goal.
Keeping the team focused on a mission makes each team player concentrated on how to achieve the goal and refrain from dwelling on unimportant matters. Getting ready with action plans for those who are losing focus and motivation creates an easy way to get them back on track.
2. Lead by example
There is no better way to demonstrate ethical values, commitment, and teamwork but by showing them yourself. A leader can promote the company’s core values by showing how seriously it matters, then in following the same values and procedures comes uniformity and solidarity.
3. Support each other
Show more support especially during adversity. Being supportive builds connection which motivates someone to get more involved and promotes better productivity.
4. Maintain good communication
Take advantage of the different communication platforms to ensure that everyone in the organization is well-informed. We know that misunderstandings frequently stem from miscommunication, thus delivering a clear common purpose and making sure that everyone is on the same boat promotes unity and progress.
Hence, before getting excited about the fruits of your hard work, make sure your organization has built the spirit of esprit de corps so it can stand the challenges and test of time. It is more enjoyable to celebrate your success together with people who are devoted and loyal to a common goal.
Horizon Technology Partners understands the changing trends in the industry. We look deeper into the backgrounds and skills of IT candidates to ensure they meet your long-term, company culture, and soft-skill needs.
Edward, Manager of a Database Architecture Team, shared his experience with Horizon Technology Partners: “Horizon Technology Partners has a rigorous selection process. Not only they are trying to select based on IT skills and technical skills, but they are also looking at people skills to make sure the person seats the team.”
We can provide you with expert professionals that will surely work for you with a common interest and purpose.
For a “No-Pressure” conversation with John Sule, schedule a call
If you would like to learn more about finding the right candidate for your open positions give us a call at 847-202-3242 or email us at connect2htp@htpartners.com.
WE RECOGNIZE.
WE UNDERSTAND.
WE DISTINGUISH.
WE PRODUCE.
WE DELIVER.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE ARE RESPONSIBLE.
by John Sule | Mar 21, 2018 | Articles
“Going the extra mile” is willingly providing a better service and more than is expected or paid for. It is an essential part of success in every endeavor because it makes one indispensable and more marketable. It is also a source of self-fulfillment when one has gone beyond “best efforts” and a client is more than satisfied and getting more than what they have expected.
However, there are reasons why people at work are discouraged from providing their best efforts. According to the article “Don’t Lose Your Best Employees Because of These 7 HR Blunders” by Sujan Patel, who is also the author of “100 Days of Growth“, a marketing veteran and entrepreneur, here are the reasons:
- Unfair compensation
- Poor work-life balance
- Lack of appreciation for accomplishments or tenure
- Unsupportive upper management
- A negative work environment
- Hoarding information
- Promoting from outside
Do those reasons above sound familiar? Well then, how can you avoid losing your best workers?
- An employee who is consistently helping you improve your business deserves a fair compensation and even a raise. Remember that it will cost you more when your best employee leaves.
- Show your employees how you understand their need to have a work-life balance. Let them recharge especially after a great accomplishment.
- Show appreciation for accomplishments and loyalty because employees also want to feel that they matter.
- Avoid losing your top performers by showing support, talking to them and not making them feel unnoticed.
- A workplace should feel like a professional office and not a fight club because nobody wants to work with a negative atmosphere.
- An open-door policy can be an advantage for both sides because it encourages openness and transparency which works for any relationship.
- It is heartbreaking to a loyal and hardworking employee to see someone new to the company getting the position that he has been striving and eyeing for a long time. Give your employee a chance to move up and continue to develop as professionals.
When someone at work becomes unmotivated in performing his best, the organization will suffer and incur losses because the quality and costs are at stake.
Here is a quote from Linda, a Director for a Major Financial Institution, who expressed her thoughts on what it is like to work with people who do not seem to put in their best efforts: “They don’t care if your project goes over budget or it’s late. They really don’t. You’re just another assignment…The time schedules are much longer too, because the incentive to deliver quickly and be done isn’t there.”
Linda went on to describe working with John Sule of Horizon Technology Partners: “He is committed to finding the right professionals who are always willing to render their best efforts and go the extra mile. And I think he was always looking for a good match between a resource and a client as opposed to just trying to place people to get the commission…and I don’t think that’s the case with a lot of other vendors. They look at the resource they’re bringing in as just a kind of “Its the offering that we have, and either you like it or you don’t, and if you don’t, we’ll find you someone else.” …I don’t think they give regard to the resource like John did.”
Horizon Technology Partners believes that a company deserves team members whom you will look back on as the individuals who make a difference in your organization, so it is the goal of Horizon Technology Partners to provide you with elite talents and ensure that they are consistent in delivering their best efforts.
Are you also looking for elite staff who will always go the extra mile for you?
For a “No-Pressure” conversation with John Sule, schedule a call
If you would like to learn more about finding the right candidate for your open positions give us a call at 847-202-3242 or email us at connect2htp@htpartners.com.
WE RECOGNIZE. WE UNDERSTAND. WE DISTINGUISH. WE PRODUCE. WE DELIVER! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE’RE RESPONSIBLE.