Tweet

Christy’s Laws of Information Technology Leadership Law #2: Technology needs to be tied to business goals and results

Guest post by: The Osborne Group

Article Overview: Law of Information Technology

Christy’s Laws of Information Technology Leadership Law #2: Technology needs to be tied to business goals and results

There are good ways and bad ways to make decisions around technological change.

Bad technology decisions get made when they are tied to somebody’s pet project, or as a kneejerk reaction to some business or technology failure, or when an IT executive can’t articulate the business value of an investment, to name a few.

So here’s a thought – let’s align IT business plans with organization business plans. So every project that the IT team wants to do is examined and success defined in the context of which tactics and strategies it enables.

What happens when we do this?

1. Clear business sponsorship for IT projects. If the operations manager understands that to achieve his goals (and get his bonus) he needs a technology solution implemented, he will fight for it and support it.
2. Clear business direction for the IT team. The solution has a clearly defined pressing set of outcomes needed, the team knows why this is important, and can make day-to-day decisions with an appropriate context.
3. Clear implications when business goals and priorities change. Cost cutting exercises show direct implications for the business (if I stop work on this project, we won’t be able to deliver this business goal).
4. Clear communications about projects and activities in language that all business leaders can understand.
5. Clear evidence of contribution of the IT team to the overall organization results – so the CIO gets her bonus, and team members are appropriately rewarded for their contributions.

Christy DeMont

Related Articles
  Christy’s Laws of Information Technology Leadership Law #1: Technology is a tool set
  LEADERSHIP IS CREATIVE THINKING NOT REACTIVE THINKING
  The Seduction of Technology
  How To Succeed In Your "Home Based Online Business Opportunity"
  Home Based Business Strategies
  LEADERSHIP IS ALWAYS CREATIVE THINKING NEVER REACTIVE THINKING.
  Technology in Recruitment
  THREE FACTORS MAKE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT A SUCCESS
  The Value of Technology
  How To Identify Your Marketing Barriers, Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
  Dean Kamen - Don't Tell Me It's Impossible
  The Truth About Technology
  What is 4G?
  Gartner: New technology jobs will be filled by social scientists
  Technology in the HR World
  New Legislation Affecting Illinois Employers And Reporting of Electronically Transmitted Child Pornography
  Cram and Flush Theory of Technology Training Doesnt Work
  Key 2011 Hacker Prevention Lessons
  Radio Frequency Identification Technology
  Leadership = Accepting Failures

Article Tags: business growth, information technology, IT, leadership, operations manager



Related Forum Posts
Re: Most desirable type of business to start - This may seem intuitive, but the best type of business to start is one with which you have experience and a passion for. The industry is irrelevant. For example, I wouldn't start a grocery store simply because I have no experience in that industry and no desire to do so. So, no matter if grocery stores are the most profitable enterprise ever, I wouldn't succeed. On the other hand, I can make a decent living and have fun running an Information Technology consulting business because that's what I know. Hope that answers your question.
International Technology Exchange - Hello, Does anyone have idea about International Technology Exchange? I’m keenly interested to get the views of the members. Without going into confidential details, good or bad reports would be appreciated! Thanks
Re: An Assessment Tool for Making Dreams Come True - Sounds a bit like getting what you want through the Laws of Attraction aka LOA. I've seen people use mind visuals to expedite goals such as: (Affiliate links removed by forum administrator) You can also cut and paste magazine pics. When I remember to use them, they are VERY effective. It may take a few weeks, monhts or even years but it comes together beautifully and perfectly. The more often you do it, the faster it happens. Be sure you know what you want! A study with measurable results would be nice. I just don't have the schedule for it though. Good Luck!
Don't give up 40%! - Congrats on this milestone Evan... I agree with outsourcing any function that makes the business owner a Front-line worker as this is not best use of your time. I also agree with Louis that 40% is too much to give up. 40% may work if you have surpassed your income goals from the website and after you pay the 40% you are still within your monthly income goals. Would an RFP/RFI (Request For Proposal/Information) to companies like this Website Sales Team be a call you need to make?
What to Outsource - I found that at the beginning I tried to do everything myself - I wore all the hats of the entrepreneur. Then I decided to focus only on the things that I was really good at and passionate about. From there I outsourced the rest. Technology and accounting are 2 great examples of things to outsource. The only thing I would never outsource is the relationship with the client - you need to own it and make sure you are delivering on their expectations.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

What I Really Want Is...

Soda Vending Machine = Energy Hog

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.