I am referring to Information Technology departments, in case you were wondering. And it’s not IT per se that is the blocker but their mindsets. IT has traditionally played a disproportionate role in the diffusion of technology in a company, since they were seen as technology adoption leaders and so determined how the rest of the company behaved regarding technology adoption. This is changing but not fast enough. It’s important to get this right and I find too often that IT are technology laggards which starts at the top, with IT leadership. Here are 5 contrasts between old and new mindsets. Hopefully, whether in IT or not, this helps change minds and ultimately behaviours and actions.

Being in the customer success business working for a large enterprise technology vendor (disclosure), one of my first ports of call when engaging with a customer is the IT department. So I have come across a fair few different types. Soon after my first meeting I can tell what role the IT department will play and where their minds are at.

Unfortunately, there is no technology solution for inaction (I wish there were 🤣). What I often experience with IT departments is a lack of progress and that they are chief disablers. Thankfully, many are not like that or are changing fast.

And just to be clear, I am focusing here on IT’s role as an enabler of progress, innovation and ultimately the company’s performance as a key partner to the other business functions within an organisation. I get that they have other roles taking care of technology availability, managing costs, risk, security, compliance, etc. Those are important roles but not what I am focusing on.

Here is a table contrasting old, traditional mindsets versus new and how this hinders or disables progress versus speeds up and transforms business outcomes and innovation.

Reshare the image I made for you below or grab the text below that, tweak and make your own image. Share it within or with your IT department. Ask where your organisation stands and how things could improve. Move minds.