In today’s fast-paced world, businesses constantly rely on their IT departments to adapt, innovate and stay competitive. But there’s a surprisingly simple way to ensure that your technology team is executing and genuinely aligning with your business goals: Share information.
You might ask, “What kind of information? And why does it matter?” The answer is straightforward yet transformative. Sharing your company’s short- and long-term goals, project timelines, budget constraints and customer feedback is critical. When your IT team understands the strategic vision and these key aspects, they’re better equipped to make impactful decisions that save time, money and energy.
Tactical Choices
Consider this analogy: You’re a general, and your troops guard a river, stopping the enemy from crossing a bridge. A tactical choice might be to destroy that bridge to hinder the enemy. But if tomorrow’s strategy depends on using that bridge to launch an attack, you’ll want to keep it intact. When your troops know this plan, they’re motivated to defend with purpose. Transparency in your strategy can inspire and motivate your team, ensuring they feel prepared and aligned.
Translate this analogy to an IT team working on a new automation tool. They’ve spent months selecting the best technology, securing licenses, and building prototypes. Then, six months into the project, a major company acquisition was announced, requiring integration with a different technology platform that was once under consideration but not chosen. Had the team known about the acquisition earlier, they could have made decisions aligned with the company’s broader goals, even if those weren’t the most obvious or “best” choices.
Is Sharing Necessary?
Some leaders argue that sharing isn’t necessary because their organization is “agile.” But agile methodology doesn’t mean abandoning a roadmap. It means that while you adapt to changes, you’re guided by a clear strategic vision communicated effectively to all team members. Agile doesn’t eliminate the need for big-picture planning; it makes planning and communication more vital.
When your IT team has access to all the information they need, they can focus on the right priorities. Sharing details about your company’s goals keeps their work aligned with what matters most to the business, helping them make smarter decisions that save resources and keep the organization moving forward together.
Remember, sharing information isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for aligning your IT strategy with your business goals.
