Paul Salvage

It seems to me that fewer and fewer people are aspiring to the CIO role in organisations today.  It may not be dead, but it sure is starting to smell bad!

Why is it that talented technology people are often not choosing to pursue the role of owning IT in Enterprises?  Is it because budget cuts have hamstrung IT departments into survival mode?  Is it because the weight of legacy systems and decisions have left an un-navigable mess in which all hope is lost?  Is it because IT has under-delivered for so long that the role is tarnished beyond repair?

I have another view.

IT professionals have lost their balls!

Without the courage and conviction to meet the business half way, to contribute to strategy, to challenge and simplify requirements and processes, to negotiate for trade-offs, IT is left completely re-active.  

Wishlists become requirements, business process are suboptimal and untouchable, prioritisation is impossible, IT spend becomes a grudge purchase……you know the rest.

IT has more potential to drive top line growth, differentiate from competitors, deliver service excellence and make a difference than ever before.  Don’t allow yourself to become a backroom, reactive support function!

*Rant over….*