Today’s global environment is one of constant change, and the pace continues to accelerate – driven largely by technology. Radio took 38 years to reach 50-million users, TV – 13 years, the iPod – 3 years. Facebook hit 200-million users in under a year. CIOs and their teams are increasingly expected to have answers to the questions raised by this staggering rate of change, and in recent years this has often resulted in the IT Department becoming isolated from the wider business. So how do we work more closely and effectively with the business
to improve the reputation of our technologists?
Technology in the 21st century is a key driver of success and should be closely integrated and aligned with the business at every level. Equally, the risks associated with emerging technologies often need careful consideration. There needs to be clear linkage and a mechanism for communicating the way in which IT will enable the core mission and make best use of the opportunities it presents to grow, compete and collaborate, whilst also securing the organisation’s valuable information assets. The obvious example for today is the Cloud.
- How will your organisation make the inevitable move into Cloud technologies?
- How does the business break down across the delivery models?
- Where are the non-core and less complex areas of the business that will suit the high speed deployment and cost effectiveness of a public cloud, and what are the more complex, high risk and strategically important areas that may need to be managed in a private cloud?
Being able to answer these questions relies on close alignment of strategy, and the clarity that brings speaks volumes to the business.
Engage with and understand the business
Engaging more closely to re-build those relationships will enhance the reputation of technologists and enable greater innovation and more rapid change as a deeper understanding of needs leads to a greater level of trust across the organisation. Networks at all levels need to be created and internal communication channels should be developed and managed in the same way as those that lead to the customer. The 21st century is social and it’s mobile. It follows that people will expect to see that kind of engagement in the work place.
Inspire
Set expectations
Have a point of view and react to events and developments
Creating a community of experts across the business allows a more proactive approach to providing positioning statements or
updates on internal and external events relevant to the business.
Innovate
Be recognised as a centre of excellence
Conclusions
The world has changed dramatically and continues to do so, but the introduction of social and the move to the Cloud have brought about a real step change in opportunity and in risk.
Every CIO needs to be in a position to influence. And in future the most successful will take on a multi-disciplinary role, responsible for a broader remit across the business, leading change through innovation and thought leadership. Working closely with colleagues in the C- suite, the CIO will ensure technology capability is embedded across front line operations, in a visible position to guide, understand and build trust at all levels.
Behaviours are changing – individuals, employees and consumers are becoming more and more influential. Social networks and mobile technologies surface comment and discussion about how your business works and is perceived in a very public and immediate forum. By engaging, leading and building trust you can ensure the discussion is a positive one, and if it’s not, at least be in a position to respond.
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