Transforming IT from Servant to Strategic Partner (continued)
Redesign for Dollars
According to Erickson, there are specific steps that can help you to redesign IT operations to boost business advantage and overcome these common obstacles. These include:
- Adapt a competitive mindset Assume that you will have to compete with outside vendors for the opportunity to support your customers
- Make sure the trains and buses run on time Focus on doing the core things as effectively and efficiently as possible. Get this right first, then worry about the more strategic issues
- Utilize Customer Relationship Management concepts Your coworkers are your customers
- Get outside assistance If there are existing issues/strains in the IT and business relationship, get some outside help to repair the relationships
- Aim at the same targets Make sure the IT goals are tightly and directly related to the business goals
- Utilize best practices Wherever possible, implement industry standard methodologies (e.g., PMO, ITIL, development methodologies, etc.)
Successful IT redesign centers on developing people skills and opening communication channels, both within and outside IT. "Before you talk tools, talk to people," says DiDio.
About the Author
Pam Baker is the author of six books and numerous articles for national and international media such as CIO Today, Institutional Investor, Wireless IQ and Knight-Ridder/McClatchy newspapers.
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