This book presents a streamlined planning tool for the information technology strategic planner that can be used effectively in any type of organization whether it is a corporation, non-profit or government enterprise. Through a series of logical steps it requires the technology planner to first understand the vision, infrastructure and operation of the enterprise they are supporting. Using this information a complementary vision and infrastructure are developed for the IT group supporting the enterprise.
The desired objective is an IT plan that not only supports, but also enhances, the ability of the enterprise to achieve its business or competitive objectives.
An excellent tool that results is a one page Guiding Document that states in clear terms the Strategic Target, the Benefits provided by the Strategic Plan, and the Action Items that will be taken by the team to achieve those Benefits. This planning methodology has successfully been used by the author for more than a decade.
Here are some passages from the book that have been repeatedly highlighted by readers.
- The CIO and team who bring the full power of technology value to the business will dramatically improve the enterprise's position in their industry and the position of the IT team in their enterprise.
- Excellent leaders minimally manage and they don't administer at all! Leaders know that if they assume a management role rather than an executive role then the people who work for them will expect to be managed and they will act as if they should be managed. Leaders know that if they unnecessarily take on administrative tasks they won't be in the proper frame of mind to lead. Excellent leaders stay in their leadership roll all the time!
- Our goal is to develop a Technology Strategic Target that supports and enhances the Business Strategic Target