6 Tips For Leading An Information Security Team

For many information security spods, the last thing they want to worry about (or do) is managing people. They want to get out there and identify risks, support the business in managing them and support clients and stakeholders with their questions and concerns. But unless you've hired people to take on the task of managing your employees, then you're still on the hook.

The good news is that you can make that task a little bit easier for yourself by remembering these six essential information security leadership keys, and your organisation will benefit as a direct result.

1. Delegate - The key to information security leadership success is to learn to effectively delegate both the responsibility for completing activities and the authority required to get things done. Many leaders feel that they need to micro manage every little thing that their employees do. This is a recipe for disaster. When you delegate work to your team, you multiply the amount of work you can deliver while developing your employees' confidence, management and skills.

2. Set goals - Every team member needs goals to strive for. Not only do goals give the team direction and purpose, but they ensure that your employees are working towards the overall organisational goals. Set specific and measurable goals with your team, then regularly monitor their progress toward achieving them.

3. Communicate - Far too many leaders communicate far too little. It's often difficult for busy leaders to keep their employees up-to-date on the latest organisational news – but its essential to maintain their commitment. You must make every effort to get employees the information they need to do their jobs quickly and efficiently.

4. Make time for your team - Above all, leadership is a people job. When team member needs to talk with you, make sure that you set aside the time to do so. Put your email aside for a moment, put down your smartphone, and focus on the individual standing in front of you.

5. Recognise achievements - Every member of the team wants to do a good job. When they do a good job, employees want recognition from their leadership team. Unfortunately, few bosses do much in the way of recognising and rewarding employees for a job well done. The good news is that there are many things bosses can do to recognise employees that cost little or no money, are easy to implement, and that take only a few minutes to accomplish.

6. Don't take it all too seriously - Without a doubt, running a business is serious thing. Products and services must be sold and delivered, and money must be made. Despite the gravity of these responsibilities, successful leaders make their organisations fun places to work. Instead of having employees who look for every possible reason to call in sick or to arrive to work late or go home early, organisations work hard and play hard end up with a more loyal, energised workforce.

Questions your C-Suite should ask your CISO – Who are the little stars in the information security team? What have you done to call that out?