Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Deciding Whose Vision It Is

I have witnessed organizations make several mistakes in the crafting of their vision. Perhaps the most egregious mistake organizations make works like this. The top leaders in an organization decide they need to create a new vision. This small group of individuals sequesters themselves in some five-star hotel, resort, or conference room for some extended period of time to hammer out the new vision. Lots of dialogue, political maneuvering, energy, and compromising follow. After what seems like an eternity to the participants, a final document is created that expresses the new vision. This reminds me of Mel Brooks's classic movie History of the World, where Moses carries down the 15 (oops! I dropped a tablet!) Ten Commandments from the mountain and gives them to the people. In a similar fashion, the CEO calls a town hall meeting to unveil the new vision and to tell people, “This is our new vision. You will cherish it, be motivated by it, and abide by it.” Does this sound familiar to you? Have you seen this movie? Why doesn't this work?

Through the Lens of the CIO—Is the Organization's Vision Your Vision?

I remember a number of years ago taking my girls to the circus. We sat next to a young family with a little boy about five years old who was crying and wanted no part of the experience! I chatted with his father, who was visibly upset by the situation. He stated that he had put a lot of time and effort into planning this event for his child and had also ...