Transforming IT: Seven Steps to Become a Strategic Advisor

Many IT professionals find themselves trapped in a repetitive cycle of fulfilling requests, often referred to as being “order takers.” To break free and evolve into strategic advisors, IT leaders suggest a series of proactive steps. This transition not only enhances the role of IT within organizations but also drives significant business improvements.

Shifting Mindsets

The first crucial step is to abandon the passive mindset that inhibits growth. According to Eric Johnson, CIO at PagerDuty, waiting for directives stifles initiative and innovation. “Many IT organizations fall into that trap,” he said, urging professionals to propose their own ideas. Bill Young, CTO of RightClick, emphasizes the need to view IT’s role as an avenue for business improvement rather than merely a troubleshooting function.

Understanding the underlying issues behind requests is essential. Dana Stocking, head of IT at Mercor, suggests probing deeper into requests to uncover the root causes of problems. This approach enables IT teams to propose solutions that address broader organizational challenges rather than merely fulfilling isolated requests.

Building Business Acumen

Proactive engagement with business stakeholders is vital for IT professionals. Instead of waiting for problems to be presented, IT leaders should immerse themselves in the business environment. Johnson advises attending business meetings to gain insights into the company’s objectives. Regular interaction with various departments fosters a comprehensive understanding of their challenges and needs.

Additionally, Joe Locandro, EVP and global CIO at Rimini Street, encourages IT teams to learn the language of the business. “Getting that business vernacular comes through attending business executive meetings,” he stated. This immersion allows IT professionals to align their goals with those of the business, ultimately enhancing collaboration.

Focusing on Outcomes

IT leaders must shift their focus from merely completing tasks to achieving desired outcomes. Instead of adopting a checklist mentality, they should ask questions that clarify the goals behind requests. Adequate insights into business objectives allow IT teams to propose strategic solutions.

For example, during monthly portfolio alignment meetings, Johnson’s team engages in discussions about key initiatives, ensuring they understand the desired outcomes before suggesting technical solutions. This proactive approach enables IT to drive significant value for the business.

Communication is another essential aspect of this transformation. Rather than detailing activities, IT professionals should articulate the impact of their work. Noe Ramos, VP of AI operations at Agiloft, highlights the importance of framing accomplishments in terms of business value. For instance, rather than stating, “We automated this process,” the focus should be on the outcome: “We freed up 200 hours monthly for the sales team to concentrate on revenue-generating tasks.”

Small Wins Matter

Focusing on smaller, immediate wins can lead to substantial improvements. Johnson stresses that quick wins can accumulate to create significant organizational benefits. By identifying and automating minor processes, IT teams can demonstrate their value without the need for large-scale transformations.

This approach also applies to assessing the effectiveness of tools and licenses used within the organization. Meg Donovan, chief people officer at Nexthink, points out the importance of analyzing software utilization to determine whether the tools meet the needs of the employees effectively.

Measuring Impact

After implementing solutions, it is imperative for IT professionals to measure the impact of their efforts. Johnson notes that many organizations overlook this critical step. “Did it make the impact you expected, and are you measuring that?” he asks. When results do not meet expectations, proactive IT teams should investigate and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Leveraging AI for Strategic Growth

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful ally in the quest for strategic IT transformation. While not the centerpiece of the transition, AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks, IT professionals can dedicate more time to higher-value strategic initiatives.

Daden’s team at Criteria Corp has witnessed remarkable results, with over 80% of their production code generated by AI, leading to a 30% increase in engineering productivity. This shift allows team members to focus on enhancing the AI systems themselves, evolving their roles to become more strategic and impactful.

AI tools can also streamline meeting processes. Young highlights how AI note-taking applications can help IT professionals remain engaged during discussions, reducing administrative distractions and allowing for more strategic thinking.

By adopting these strategies, IT professionals can transition from order takers to trusted advisors, positioning themselves as essential partners in driving business success. The journey requires dedication and a willingness to embrace change, but the rewards are substantial for both IT teams and the organizations they support.