A CxO’s guide

2020 has brought in a mandatory rejuvenation exercise for CIO’s IT strategies. Covid19 has really pushed the ones on the shore waiting for better times to testify their ideas. On the other side, the CIOs with unheard ideas got a platform to pitch in loud. While the turbulent time continues Covid19 has own plan for the paradigm shift our lives and challenge templated business executions. Digital Transformation can’t be anymore new service offering as that become new normal. Covid19 is expecting a better response but we seem to be struggling to approach back in a structured way. The strategies are mostly precautionary measures or a wait and watch game to act. Both are going to pull you back at least couple of years and don’t forget the one can act now will not have edge in the game. You will be part of the history based on your actions either for good or bad reasons.

I see a defined a framework of action is imperative to treat Covid19 better. Hence would recommend a below

3A Framework (preAction, Action, reAction)

preAction — I see most of the CIOs are already into precautionary measures. First let’s understand precaution is different from preAction. Anxiousness and fear drive mostly the precautionary measures. Indeed, we need preAction than precaution. A second look on your precautionary measure would help to confirm what is the driving factor. If its fear and anxiousness, then for your actions, can’t expect the best business outcome beyond being a mere survival.

Action — I see most of the CIOs are merely focused on precautionary measures and thinking of how to react once things become normal. This is huge flaw in the strategy. As mentioned above this will clearly setback for couple of years. Unfortunately (fortunately) not everyone is sailing the same boat. Some of the smart crew are action so you will be clearly outplayed if you don’t act. It’s a time to identify what needs to be act upon to take the business forward. Need to differentiate the precautionary measures vs actions. Due to the pandemic the actions may appear as investment but worth a bet. For example, ‘Remote’ has become proven acceptable working model. What is your resourcing strategy going forward? What tools and techniques needs to be invested on., The word ‘Optimization’ seems overburdened now. In the name of optimization some of the meaningful actions/investments are put on hold. Need to revive them, after all calculative risk is a mother of progress. Isn’t it?

reAction — Certainly you are not expected to be a fortune teller to predict every action needed to counter any pandemic. It’s always okay to let your brain to attend some of the ‘What If’ questionnaire and start imagining the reAction needed when happened. reAction doesn’t mean that you can literally wait to react for the situation to happen. A rule book creation to reAct is worth to consider.

3A framework is an attempt to address not just Covid19. Indeed, a framework to handle any business pandemic. Covid19 is good and it’s become a whistle blower. Say thanks to Covid19 to getting you space to work and making your voice heard loud in the organization.

#CIO #Covid19 #DigitalTransformation #IT-Strategy