5 Ways IT Leaders Can Transform Themselves From ‘Invaluable’ To ‘Indispensable’
In today’s digital-driven business landscape, the role of an IT Leader extends far beyond managing technology.
As an IT Executive Search recruiter, I often engage with IT professionals seeking to develop their career and secure a C-suite role or a place on their organisation’s leadership team. To achieve this and truly make an impact, IT leaders must evolve from being merely ‘invaluable’ to become ‘indispensable’.
Defining the subtle difference between these terms is important, as both words highlight knowledge and expertise. To be indispensable, means being absolutely necessary – a strategic partner whose contributions are integral to an organisation’s success. Leaders who demonstrate this trait are more likely to ascend to trusted advisor status and earn themselves a seat in the boardroom.
Over the past decade, IT Leaders have never had a higher profile, however according to multiple surveys and reports including KPMGs & Deloitte’s CIO Surveys, the majority of UK businesses don’t have an IT Leader on their ExCo.
Deloitte’s report states “in order to truly deliver on their remit, technology leaders require a varied set of capabilities beyond technical expertise alone.”
In this article, I explore the key skills and strategies that can elevate an IT leaders influence and leadership within their business.
Immerse Yourself in Business Strategy
- Gain a deep understanding of your organisations objectives and how IT initiatives can effectively enable and align to these goals. Successful tech leaders understand market trends and can leverage technology to support clearly defined business strategies and goals.
- Master the art of story-telling and relate change and progression to the bigger picture. At the same time, explain how IT initiatives impact bottom line and provide ROI
Foster a Customer-Centric Mindset
- Understand the needs and pain points of internal and external customers. Speak the language of business, understanding the industry, competitors and financials.
- Position IT as a strategic enabler for delivering exceptional customer experience.
Master Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear business narratives that resonate with executive decision makers and your organisation as a whole.
- Establish yourself as a thought leader, publish articles, speak at conferences, and engage with peers across your industry. As well as fostering cross-functional partnerships across your own business.
Embrace Innovation & Agility
- Anticipate emerging trends and identify opportunities for continual improvement, efficiency, and growth. Be adaptable to change and also ethical addressing issues including data privacy and security.
- Move from concept to delivery with actionable results. Recent advancements in AI, for example, present opportunities to drive commercial and business success. Can you move past the hype and through experimentation and culture of innovation, deliver?
Prioritise People Development
- Nurture a talent pool of business savvy IT professionals who help raise the bar offering both technical proficiency and commercial business operational knowledge.
- Build an effective management layer, allowing you to be free to focus on strategy as well as developing, progressing and retaining key talent.
By implementing these strategies, IT Leaders can transition from merely invaluable to becoming indispensable strategic partners and driving organisational success. I’d welcome the chance to discuss these points further and add anything you feel is missing, or would add to this conversation.
Berwick Partners IT & Digital Leadership Practice specialise in appointing IT Leaders to senior and executive positions. For more information about our services please visit our website or contact me via email – rob.fain@berwickpartners.co.uk
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