If you could hire your next boss, what selection criteria would you use? Alan Norton shares a make-believe want ad aimed at finding the ideal manager.

Being a left-brain thinker can be an asset in the IT field. But as Alan Norton observes, it's not without its shortcomings.

These days, everyone is expected to be up to speed on Internet search techniques. But there are still a few tricks that some users -- and even savvy searchers -- may not be aware of.

From retaining top talent to building a positive public image to innovating despite budget constraints, IT has plenty of obstacles to overcome. Alan Norton provides an overview of some of the big challenges that lie ahead.

Accurate metrics are essential for assessing performance and making informed decisions, but companies often rely on flawed information that paints a misleading picture. Alan Norton explains the most efficient strategies for obtaining valid, useful metrics.

If your job isn't going as well as you'd hoped, you may unwittingly be doing something that's holding you back. Alan Norton looks at some of the less obvious ways people sabotage their careers.

If you often reach the end of the day and wonder why you got so little done, it may be time evaluate your working style. Alan Norton offers 11 productivity boosters that can help get your days back on track.

You may be a brilliant developer or a highly skilled net admin, but if you're unprofessional, your career is likely to fall short. Alan Norton recommends striving for these attributes.

If you're one of the many IT pros who is wondering whether it's time to retire, these insights from Alan Norton will give you an idea of what to expect and what to consider as you make your decision.

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