Boss talk | Â Bishwanath Ghosh
lead ership M anag eme nt
Business Face to IT
A
ny senior decision-maker in IT must impart a business face to IT, which then allows him or her to initiate business-specific aspects within the enterprise. This is a key ingredient to driving operational excellence within the enterprise, even as possessing business insights and the courage to provide direction to the business help exhibit leadership skills.
Spot the Challenge Early Now, how can this be possible in an environment where IT teams are confined to the mundane job of keeping the lights on? Needless to say, they must possess a sense of responsibility towards making a difference. Thus, it is critical to spot any challenge or differential mechanism to drive operational and business efficiency early, which, in turn, can lead to innovation. And, I reiterate: innovation is the key to transformation in the current scenario.
“It is critical to spot any challenge or differential mechanism to drive operational and business efficiency early, which, in turn can lead to innovation�
Innovation in Perspective If you look back, history clearly states that every enterprise started with a base level of IT, and organisations did not see any major competitive advantage because of IT. Those who implemented ERPs became run- of-the-mill: there was no differentiation which created an edge. Senior IT managers need to think of the short term and track technologies which can be emulated and leveraged and fit short term goals. They can be innovative in replicating innovations happening in technology front.
Here are a few pointers for senior IT managers towards being innovative: a) Experience pain points in the domain they are associated with and ensure that these challenges are not repeated and are weeded out b) Redefine the business models from an IT perspective so as to better understand the challenges of business and apply these models
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c) Spot new technologies and work out a model to evaluate whether it applies to your business d) Be the change within the business, allow them to use IT effectively and enable them to drive new initiatives e) Work out a logical framework and workable format around any innovative application strategy Most industry verticals find the role of IT changing within their organisations. In particular, the banking, insurance and manufacturing sectors see IT in a new light and find IT teams creating new opportunities. IT is now forcing business to think innovatively and also showing it direction. For instance, in terms of project management and project roll out, IT is taking the lead in deciding project schedules and helping business in reaching its goal as well as completion. I see most IT managers working out innovative work flow process, project reviews, being involved in data analysis and management, and being clued into every aspect and function that enables business groups to ensure efficiency. Besides, IT is enabling business with necessary applications and deciding payment schedules. Bishwanath Ghosh, CIO - Corporate , Mahindra & Mahindra Limited