CIOs and IT managers: Embrace the AI revolution to refresh your IT brand
Earlier this year (May 2023), Gartner published a research document about the 5 fatal pitfalls new CIOs must avoid. This is an interesting paper that I am convinced will resonate with many of those who have either been in this position or witnessed such situations.
For this article, I want to focus on their first point: “Building a brand that your enterprise is not interested in.” The scenario they depict is, unfortunately, quite classic:
James begins his new role as CIO. Although the CEO invites him to the weekly sales and operations meetings, he stops attending after a month, feeling the discussions are not sufficiently tech-focused. He’s now labeled as just the “IT guy”.
Gartner provides some recommendations to avoid landing in this situation. But what if you have already been in this position for a long time and feel you are perceived as the “IT guy/gal”? How can you reinvent yourself? How can you regain credibility in an environment where everyone knows you? How can you reconnect with the business?
People believe what they see… in the long term
While it is quite obvious that changing people’s perceptions of someone is difficult, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. However, to be successful in this endeavor, this requires discipline, rigor, and patience. Indeed, when we observe a shift in behavior, we often also notice its temporary nature. A good example is that of a “sedentary” person who wants to practice a sport regularly. They might start strong, but three months later (or even sooner), they often revert to their couch instead of putting on their sneakers. In other words, a shift in behavior is challenging both for the person who wants to change and for those who know him/her.
Embrace the AI revolution and reinvent yourself, it is coming your way (anyway)!
So, let’s take a moment to reflect on the unique period we’re experiencing and therefore the unique opportunity it presents to justify a shift in perception. AI is revolutionizing our world. Bernard Marr stated, “Organizations of all shapes and sizes will be impacted by the Intelligence Revolution.” He added, “Those who can’t harness AI and data to improve their business — whatever the business — will struggle to compete.” I believe few could honestly dispute this statement. Since the launch of ChatGPT, AI has been everywhere: in the media, politics, workplaces, on the streets, and in family environment. It’s hard to go a day without hearing the ‘AI’ acronym.
Likely, your boss or colleagues have already asked you to incorporate AI tools into the work environment or perhaps even expressed concerns about its absence in your plans. Given that generative AI offers numerous business applications that are easy for everyone to grasp, this period presents a prime opportunity to reposition your team or department if you believe you can contribute better to your organization. AI can be your justification to rebrand your image.
Becoming aware…
Shaping the right image that colleagues have of us can be challenging. However, there are indicators that can help us to grasp it.
If you score more than 1 (sum) to these questions, you can suspect that you are seen as the ‘IT guy/gal’:
- Are you invited to strategic meetings outside of the tech domain? (Yes = 0; No = 1)
- Do your peers approach you solely with technical problems (sometimes even very basic ones) and not for business advice or brainstorming? (Yes = 1; No = 0)
- When invited to strategic meetings, is your level of participation similar to that of your peers (simple observer vs. value-added participant)? (Yes = 0; No = 1)
- Are you consulted when major business decisions are made? (Yes = 0; No = 1)
- Are you only included in projects for technical implementation (and not for the ideation and planning stages)? (Yes = 0; No = 1)
However, your score only reflects how you are perceived. It doesn’t mean that you are solely responsible for this situation. Many other factors can contribute to this perception. Below are the most significant ones, in my opinion:
- Historical perspective: in many organizations, IT departments are seen as support functions, primarily responsible for keeping systems running and troubleshooting issues (and therefore positioned as a cost center rather than a strategic partner).
- Lack of understanding (or ignorance?): many business leaders do not fully understand the potential of IT and the role it plays. They see IT as just fixing computers or maintaining servers. Therefore, they might undervalue its broader strategic contributions, despite the omnipresence of technology in our world.
- Communication barriers: IT professionals often speak in technical jargon that may not be easily understood by non-technical staff. This can create a gap where the business side feels that IT does not understand their needs, and IT feels the business side doesn’t understand their challenges. Translating complex concepts into simple terms is crucial.
- Heavy Legacy: If significant IT project failures have occurred in the past, or if the previous CIO was more of an ‘IT guy/gal’, this can foster skepticism about the department’s potential for positive business contributions in the future.
- The simple cultural Factors: In some organizations, there is just a cultural mindset that does not see technology as a driver of business value. Such organizations might be slower in recognizing the strategic importance of IT.
Regardless of the reason, if you find yourself in this situation, it is essential to elevate your department: IT is a crucial business partner!
“ChatGPT will change our world” — Bill Gates
Generative AI, especially LLMs, has changed the way people perceive Artificial Intelligence. Before ChatGPT, AI was mostly viewed as a futuristic concept from sci-fi movies, even though it was gradually becoming more tangible. Now, AI is not only accessible, but everyone recognizes its concrete application. It’s here! As a result, advocating for the integration of such technology in the work environment has become easier. As a technological component, it naturally falls under the responsibility of the IT department. It is time to refresh your IT brand!
