CHAOS to CONFIDENCE IN 2022

Now is the time to start thinking differently about IT for 2022.

Does your IT function feel like a constant state of chaos? How do you get out of it?

Let’s face it - There is a barrage of demands on IT coming from any and all angles:

• Crisis management on legacy platforms

• Firefighting IT security threats - both known and unknown

• Day-to-day combat on supporting business initiatives

• Threat of imminent Budget cuts

• Business Strateg(ies) that are running reckless (and unknowingly bleeding valuable Data!)

• Leadership that fears Technology and change management

• Demotivated IT teams leading to constant talent loss

How long can this continue?

• Are you the frustrated CEO?

• Are you the business unit left out?

• Are you the stressed out CIO?

Step back. Breath. And following Stephen Covey’s advice: “Begin with end in mind”.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is there a Business Strategy for 2022?

  Most companies will have a Business Strategy. The important aspect is connecting the resources (most importantly Technology components) to enable success.

• Is the IT function part of the Annual 2022 Planning process?

  So this is where things may get a little sticky. Success is to ensure the IT function is included early on in the Business Strategy process. In my experience, really successful companies make planning a 12-month process (starting in January to brainstorm for the next year) and including IT leadership at the very start.

• Do the Strategic Business Initiatives include IT budget? Is there a rigorous business case process that includes IT?

  Well it may be wishful thinking that there will be an IT budget for the initiatives. If you do things right, any business initiative planned for 2022 will have an initial business case with some due diligence to support the IT resources (financial or headcount). Too often, projects become a game of musical chairs (which never ends well) - stealing resources from project for other projects. In the end, like it or not, the reality of the ‘theory of constraints’ holds - no matter how much you wish, IT resources committed on a project can’t be assigned to another project without impact. Project failure is imminent.

• Are the Strategic Business Initiatives agreed by the Business Functions?

  As much as there is pressure on the IT budget, there is also pressure on the business to manage Change Management. Consideration needs to be given to business initiatives on the entire business functions including Customer Service & Support. Planning & co-ordination of changes for both IT and operational teams needs to be considered.

• Is there a quarterly review to align Business Strategy?

  With rapid pace of competition and business, priorities change. That is okay but be sure to adjust. It is important that the Business (including IT) can modify and adapt to the changes - transparently.

• Is the IT budget managed strategically?

  IT budgets can be run away trains with vendors holding the company to ransom and outrageous contract renewals. Doesn’t need to be this way. Vendor Management and forecasting is important and needs to be proactively managed as a ‘strategic asset’. Blog in the future on this subject!

• Is your IT leadership team business-savvy?

  IT leadership need to understand the business as much or more than the IT. The best way to do this is to think about how they are involved in the Annual Business Strategy and Planning process. Get the tech team thinking about your customer! Think about cross-functional strategy sessions that require IT participation. In companies that I have worked with, this small step can create a HUGE step change and maturity in the both the value aas well as focus and motivation of the IT team.

The above is a plan to start managing your IT function as part of the business. Take these simple steps and I will assure you, you will get more value from your IT function in 2022.

With over 20 years in CIO/IT Leadership, I am passionate, pragmatic and experienced about helping companies successfully manage IT to drive value and create confidence in the IT leadership team.

If you have questions, comments or need some help, I’d love to hear from you. Annie@olainsights.com