Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Developing a Culture of Accountability

In some organizations, people feel that leadership is something that happens above them. It is as if they are waiting for Zeus to throw down an edict from Mount Olympus before they take any action. I have been a part of several transformation efforts where people have complained, “I agree with all of this, but my manager doesn't get it.” They moan and groan about how they can't impact things because they work for clowns. This mentality infuriates me. I actually responded to one person who told me this by stating, “Working for a clown doesn't give you license to join the circus!”

I am IT!

One of the most important components for driving meaningful change is to develop a culture of accountability in every single person who is engaged in the process. People need to feel a sense of pride in ownership and that this is their organization. If they feel that leadership is responsibility for the organization's success, then you have a management versus labor mentality that will not succeed. Let me explain this by sharing a little story.

About three weeks into my current role, I happened to be in line in the company cafeteria when I overheard a conversation between one of my clients and a member of my staff. The client was explaining to my staff member that she was having an e-mail-related challenge. His very curt response was, “E-mail is not my problem.” Needless to say, he now had a bigger problem—dealing with me! One of the rallying cries that I ...