Summary
This article referenced a recent study by Forrester Research that found many IT workers were not using 'state of the art' tools in their jobs.
Analysis
The study finds and the subsequent write up by Fierce CIO.com seemed to point the blame at American IT workers being unwilling to embrace new technologies to do their jobs. Some of the findings:
Only 1 in 3 uses a laptop to do their work
Only 1 in 9 uses a smart phone
Email is King over Instant Messaging
75% never use IM at work
3/4 have never used web conferencing tools
Less than 20% have visited a social networking site.
Based on my 25+ years of experience in IT the past 15+ in senior executive level positions these findings aren't all that surprising to me. What should be understood is 'why' things are this way.
First, at many organizations the CIO or Director of IT is openly questioned by Senior mgmt about giving his or her team tools like a laptop, or a blackberry. Close minded executives only see the up-front cost of these tools and I've had to spend significant time helping them to understand the benefits to the company. First and foremost, I've explained that these tools are in my mind 'golden handcuffs'. By this I mean that while making my team members feel better about themselves by giving them leading edge technologies I and the company have benefited by them working voluntarily at home at night and on weekends. This leads to an ROI that is off the charts when compared to the costs of a laptop or the monthly $50 charge for Blackberry service.
Perhaps it is the fault of IT Leadership, to often I find my colleagues unwilling or unable to articulate the benefits to the business. These tools when used properly can save corporations significant sums of money while increasing worker productivity. At a recent engagement I had introduced Instant Messaging to a less than enthusiastic reception from the business. Nonetheless, by listening to their concerns (worries over constant interruptions) and helping to show them potential benefits (avoidance of telephone tag, faster response than email) over time we managed to win them over. Now, a company that had originally been very voice mail centric is a heavy user of IM technology as well as web and video conferencing.
What it takes is the willingness to take the lead in getting these technologies embedded into your organization. Not only IT but the entire corporation because these collaboration tools clearly are not only beneficial to IT professionals. A true IT leader will take the risk to get these technologies introduced and then nuture them as they spread throughout the company. It doesn't happen by magic but through solid planning, a good pilot project, tools that are easy to use and solid follow up.
This author consults with leading institutions through GLG
Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
