Principle #5: I.T. Is A People Business

He who thinks I.T. is only about technology and innovation missed the most important part of the equation…, people. We always say; “I.T. is a people business”. As it relies on very talented and skilful people to solve the complex problems we face daily. And people that are in an environment that makes them feel good about themselves and what they do, are people that bring innovation to this world.

The myth of self-organising teams has been around for a while now, but success stories are very hard to find. And if success stories do exist, it’s usually within a very confine environment and in the end, there is still someone who’s taking more or less the lead on things.

A good leader instils ownership and belief in the people around him and constantly reminds them of the bigger picture and the goal of the mission. It’s only when people truly believe and take full ownership, that a real difference can be made. If you see someone not taking ownership, it usually means that their leader, may it be a manager, team lead or other superior…, doesn’t take ownership for his or her own actions.

At ARQS, we completely recognise that. Therefore we help our clients to create leaders. Internal advocates as we refer to it, because it is only then that you can make a change that’s sustainable towards the future.

We coach people into taking ownership, we coach people into being leaders and one of the faces of change within their own organisation.We never tell an organisation what to do next. Instead we realise that I.T. is a people business and that it should be treated as such.

A tool, or cutting edge technology will not help you if there is no process to back it up. And if there are no people to back up the process…, well, then you’re left with nothing. Yet that fact is often forgotten.

Making change is about getting people to communicate, to collaborate and to think out of the box. As consultants, we are merely an enabler, a stimulant, the reminder of the bigger picture…. We support the people, get them to be more involved and provide a sounding board for anybody who needs it.

A business whose most important asset or element is the people it employs.

This article is number five in a series of ten, find out more by checking out our previous publications!

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