Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Three Questions about IT's Role in the Organization's Mission

Being of Italian descent, I have been taught that things come in threes! I guess that includes questions! As a leader of a functional entity (i.e., IT), you should ask yourself three questions on an ongoing basis:

1. What outcomes are we striving for? What are the major objectives of the organization? What goals must we reach in order to further our mission? What is core to accomplishing our vision? What are the things that matter and will make a difference to the success and long-term viability of the enterprise?

2. How do the efforts of my organization help us achieve these outcomes? How do the day-to-day activities performed in my area contribute to our success? Are we supporting revenue generation? Are we attracting more customers? Are we driving operational efficiencies? Are we improving key business processes (e.g., customer service, manufacturing)?

3. If our focus and objectives are not supporting these key imperatives, then why are we doing them?

I am reminded of the story of the Easter ham. A little girl asked, “Mommy, why do you cut the ends off the Easter ham before you cook it?” Her mother pondered this question and said, “Sweetheart, I really don't know. Grandma always did it that way; why don't you ask her?” The little girl proceeded to ask her grandmother the same question. Her response was similar to her daughter's: “I don't know . . . my mom always did it that way.” Finally, the little girl asked her ...