Don't Settle ...

Technology plays a key role in every business. Digital Transformation and innovative technology solutions will reshape your industry and drive future success. You can't afford to find out that your business has fallen behind, and a more technology-savvy competitor has gained a significant advantage.... just ask retailers how Amazon changed their industry and the impact it is having on their business.  

Most business leaders recognize the value and importance of technology, so why do some business leaders settle for an under-achieving Information Technology organization, a struggling CIO/IT leader, and/or mediocrity from such a key business function?  

I've worked with business leaders for more than 30 years to help them improve their Information Technology, upgrade their IT leadership, and optimize their technology investments.  Some of the reasons I've heard for why business leaders are sometimes reluctant to make changes and/or expect more from their Information Technology include:

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Issue: Misperception that the business can't afford a better CIO/IT leader.

• Solution: Don't settle for an under-performing and/or under-qualified I.T. leader. Raise the expectations and use a better approach.  Too often organizations hire at the level that their current budget supports, instead of what their business needs require.  They end up with an "IT Manager" that is OK at day to day support activities, but is woefully unqualified to develop the right technology strategy, identify technology risks and opportunities, and successfully execute the optimal actions. Engage a proven, seasoned CIO to get things on the right track.  Technology leadership services are available that can provide the next level of technology leadership expertise, are more affordable than your current approach, and typically are $100,000+ less than hiring a full-time CIO.  

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Issue: The company previously made changes in their IT leadership, but still didn't get the desired results.   

• ​Solution: Quit repeatedly the same hiring mistakes. Don't keep hiring the wrong profile and expect a different result. Too often a company merely writes a job description that has the basic tech skills and generic experience requirements, but they overlook the leadership, soft-skills and specific in-depth experience that are far more important for successful results. The entire process from the candidate profile, the recruiter that is screening and selecting the resumes, the interview process,  and the selection criteria, all should be reexamined and refined to get better results. Engage a true technology leadership expert that really understands the core, underlying issues to help you properly identify your specific needs and implement to right solution.

  

​Issue:  The IT team is OK at support and are "reactive, order-takers", but it's not in their wheelhouse to be the innovative, proactive, strategic technology leaders your business needs.   The current IT team is "overwhelmed" with scattered requests, "shadow IT", and/or can't keep if with the growth of the business. 

• Solution:  Unfortunately, this description is far too common. It's why so many companies have frequent dissatisfaction with their IT, while the top, market-leading companies engage the right technology leadership to help them thrive and enjoy a significant advantage.   Your business can't settle for just "IT Operators", and must find a way to engage this much needed technology strategy expertise. Most often if a CIO/IT leader hasn't shown an aptitude for strategic thinking, it's probably won't change, and you need to find one that has the vital skill.  There are many potential solutions, and the right technology advisor can help you evaluate the best fit for your organization, such as supplementing them to address their shortfalls, training/mentoring, restructuring the roles, replacing them, and/or making other necessary changes.  Engage a firm that will provide a proven, technology leadership expert and will tailor their service offering to fit your specific needs and budget. ​ The right technology leadership expert will rapidly improve your Information Technology and produce the excellent results your company should expect. 

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