The CIO’s new role in enabling digital transformation

 

Challenges present themselves everywhere. When faced with challenges, some grow stronger; some see the idea of challenge not as a negative but as a positive. It’s important to remember (without getting too ‘New Age-y’) that within all challenges there are opportunities for rejuvenation and transformation.

The idea of transformation is a very handy mindset to have for a Chief Information Officer (CIO) today. IT innovation has never been as rapid and for CIO’s the pressure is on to keep up. An important aspect of the job has always been about helping their business take advantage of the latest technology trends, and never more so than today, where mobile and cloud computing are smashing down cultural norms and changing how we do things.

In today’s post we will look at the challenges CIOs face in the wake of rapid digital innovation, the universalization of mobile technology in the workplace and how they can turn these challenges to their own advantage, while still ensuring the progression of their business’ IT capabilities and enable positive digital transformation.

Shadow IT

One of the biggest challenges a CIO faces is the emergence of Shadow IT. Many readers may already be aware, but for those who are not, Shadow IT refers to IT systems and solutions that are used in your business without the knowledge and/or the approval of corporate leadership. ‘Stealth IT’ is another term used that means the same thing, and it is something that is redesigning how IT departments need to operate to keep the right amount of control over their company’s IT infrastructure.

The Cloud and mobile technology is changing the world. It is also changing how we work. There are now so many consumer apps out there that your employees may use to get their work done, even when these tools have not been passed through the usual processes of your IT department to make sure they are functional, can support multiple users and secure. With the prevalence of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), CIOs and IT departments are put in a tricky position.

Do you choose to try and ban all unauthorized apps on a personal or corporate device? Or, do you work to ensure stability, security and compliance for any and all applications your employees use? Perhaps you should allow employees themselves to choose the apps that they feel allow them to get their work done most efficiently? It’s important to keep in mind that with the rate of innovation only continuing to increase, it’s likely that even the most progressive IT departments will, at varying points, fall behind the curve of the latest trends.

So, what can you as a CIO do to make sure your systems and corporate content remain secure, your employees are working within consistent platforms but also have the latest technology available to them to get their jobs done with the minimum of fuss and frustration?

Challenge vs. Opportunity

Shadow IT is a complicated matter. It is both a challenge and an opportunity facing CIOs in the corporate world. The challenge revolves around keeping company data safe and in line with compliance and other regulations, without alienating your workers who want the latest apps and tools. It’s a balancing act for each individual organization and CIOs need to make this decision based on their company’s circumstances.

There are a number of things that a CIO should consider to help make sure Shadow IT, mobile working and cloud trends work for you and your company rather than hinder you and create unnecessary risks.  

Understand how information flows around the business now

Information has long been the lifeblood of business. However, the manner in which we access our information has changed right along with the innovation of new technology. As a CIO you need to be fluent in the current devices, apps and tools that your employees are making use of to access this information and how it impacts workflows and communication. You’ll also need to be able to predict what the next innovation will be. That means keeping a close eye on what’s happening in both business and consumer tech, and by facilitating the flow of information within your company rather than getting hung up on your changing influence. Remember what the ‘I’ in your title stands for.

Change management

Updating systems and ensuring high adoption rates have always been the bones of the job. When a better way of doing things becomes apparent in IT, it has always been the CIO’s job to effect positive change within their company, and deal with the risks. It just so happens, with the cultural shift that mobile and cloud computing is causing, the change is happening much faster than what many have been used to. A starting point should be implementing usage policies regarding BYOD and remote working that protect corporate data without compromising users’ productivity.

Ability to manage culture shifts

This shift goes beyond the concept of ‘fast change’, and may as well be considered ‘constant change’. It represents a cultural shift as deep and meaningful as anything has in the past – think the move from typewriter to desktop computer or the advent of the Internet. It is and will be the CIO’s job over the coming years to chaperone their business into this world of continuing innovation by constantly helping their team to move with the changes. The ultimate way to reduce shadow IT is to make sure your IT systems are as optimal as possible so there is no temptation for your employees to stray to unauthorized tools. But of course that’s not always possible, meaning being flexible is the key and accepting that shadow IT will likely continue to be on the periphery.

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