Can an IT Manager Still Be a Technical Whiz?

My current IT (Director/Manager) used to be the HR Leader. He didn't realize that the blue screen of death was a 'bad thing'. Obviously TECHNICAL skills aren't key to running an IT shop.

As a long time IT consultant, I see it like this. At some point you go from running a project to managing several projects. Instead of managing the systems/networks, you begin to manage people, time and other resources. In my experience, you can stay technical, but you will definitely no longer be the "top tech guy"

Chris

As a Tech Mgr, I hire the best in their field for the technical areas I support. The Techies are SUPPOSED to be smarter than me in their field. They are the ones that keep up to the latest technology and training and DO the work. They keep me informed, and with my former knowledge as a techie, and also knowledge of budgets, business process, top-down management goals, I am ultimately the one that makes the bottom line decisions

After having worked in both worlds for some time, I would have to suggest managing a level 2 or 3 help desk is what allowed me the opps. to stay 'technical' while managing a group of seven.

I think you need to choose a path. Personally in my last role I was pushed towards doing a management role and that was one of the reasons I left. I just enjoy the tech stuff too much currently. At 34 I'm reinvigorated by a Sys Admin role where almost all my time is spent on just that, I just love it! You need to decide if you are happy to keep on the techie path or if you maybe want more rewards. Also from what I see management jobs are less family friendly with the expectation of extra hrs etc. Certainly my current and previous managers both work crazy hours that I would never do with a young family.
Whether you can learn to get job satisfaction from doing through others is key. Although I 'ran away' to a better techie job I did look into management and read the brilliant 'One Minute Manager' books - I heartily recommend them. Should I ever be considering taking the plunge again I'll definitely be re-reading them.