Leadership: The Key Critical Technology Skill

If you could focus on the one overarching skill that would make a profound impact in the world of technology, what would it be? Leadership, of course!

Why is this one skill so important?
Without effective leadership, all the other focus areas are built on a rocky foundation of shifting sand. What good is excellent problem solving without outstanding leadership to listen, change and / or implement? The traction point for all the other skills hinges on Leadership.

Is there really a leadership issue with Technology Leadership?
According to recent research, here’s how the C-Suite rates the newly-defined VUCA leadership skills for Technology.

CEO Challenge – Leaders Aren’t Ready
Here is our Technology Model depicting the issues of IT Business Alignment. Complete coverage of the entire model must exist if the Technology function is to operate as a valued strategic partner with a seat at the table.

Technology Business Alignment Funnel©

• Top of the Funnel - The C-Suite needs Technology to live at the top of the alignment funnel with a Technology focus on the business strategy relating to the business of the business. 
  
  
• Bottom of the Funnel - Technology traditionally lives at the bottom of the alignment funnel focusing on the business of Technology. 
  
  
• The Technology Impasse Zone - In the middle of the funnel is the Technology Impasse Zone, often self-imposed by Technology itself.  To journey from the bottom of the funnel to the top, Leadership and Management in Technology need to learn and embrace an additional set of skills that convert the business of Technology into the language of the business of the business.  These skills are traditionally not developed within the Technology function.  For Technology to be business relevant and for Technology leadership to be valued within the organization, there must be a complete and constant alignment of the Technology Function at the bottom of the alignment funnel to business strategy at the top of the alignment funnel.

What’s the risk of not doing this?
Technology stays forever at the bottom of the alignment funnel, becoming a victim of cost containment and system maintenance.  The true value that Technology can bring as a business driver is not realized, and Technology is relegated to the status of a second-class citizen. 

We invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute assessment to discuss how the Technology Business Alignment Funnel works together with our Phoenix Strategic Performance Assessment Methodology. They work together to help your organization close the Technology Business Alignment Gap and become the deliverer of strategic business outcomes.

In addition, you can download our IT Competency Checklist to help determine if your IT Department is ready to perform at sustainable peak levels for all necessary business skills in your organization.