Connect IT strategy to the business
IT can demonstrate value by aligning its strategy to the organization.
Many IT leaders struggle to build an IT strategy. We’ve discussed this challenge as part of leadership workshops, and how many in IT fail to make the connection between IT and what the business needs to deliver on.
This 2017 video from Duke University takes a similar approach. Statistical data shows that a vast majority of IT projects fail to meet targets or deliver promised value. They argue that this is rarely due to a lack of technical ability, but rather a fundamental misunderstanding of strategy versus tactics.
The video makes these recommendations:
Defining Strategy: Strategy is described as an organization's "intentional identity.” Strategy means a clear choice of what to be great at and what not to focus on. Organizations cannot excel at everything with limited resources.
Strategy vs. Tactics: Many CIOs mistake tactics for actual strategy. If you’re focused on agile development, cloud computing, or big data, you are focusing more on the management of technology, and now how the IT unit can help solve problems.
Connecting Business Strategy to IT: The success of an IT unit depends on the organization’s business strategy. If the business goals are unclear or not understood, the CIO will inevitably struggle to provide alignment.
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