The IT function as a whole has changed dramatically over the past few decades of its life, and within many organizations still has a way to go. At its inception it was viewed as little more than ‘those tech geeks in the back’ who kept the computers running. It has evolved since then but there is still often a general underlying viewpoint that IT is only about technology. This is a viewpoint which holds back what this group of talented individuals truly has to offer. But when viewed as a team which understands how to apply technology to your business, then the functions within a company can be taken to the next level. Whether you need to improve sales or more efficiently process your payroll.

More times than I can count have I seen someone from HR, Sales or Engineering make a technology request based solely on the technology. For example: “I need a new access database set up for my team”. This is an easy technical request and unfortunately it is often granted without question. In the end the business team ends up with the tool they asked for but which is capable of providing perhaps half of what they truly need.

If however the request was more along the lines of “I want to be able to keep track of customer feedback on our new product, compare it against other product lines and track as we provide new releases to the product”. This is a business request and leaves the IT team open to use their knowledge of technology to solve this problem in the most effective manner.

There is a cultural shift to be made if your group is still functioning in this manner, and that needs to start with your leadership team. Any individual can begin to make a difference in how they impact the business by simply asking “why”? Why is a particular request being made, and why will the business benefit from the request. It is entirely possible you will receive some pushback and be told to simply deliver what was asked for, but I have found that most people will appreciate your questions and allow you to use your knowledge and creativity to help them.