Many IT departments are under enormous pressure these days. They have to deliver faster, more, and better IT services — and at lower cost. Those sky-high expectations leave many a CIO in a weak position, often not on equal footing with fellow directors. This is an unequal battle. Time for repositioning and action!
The and-and-and illusion
Cheap, Fast, and Good, all at once?
We all know the project triangle: good — cheap — fast. You can choose two, never all three. Yet IT departments are often forced into the illusion of "everything at once." Out of fear of being seen as difficult, they cave to pressure from the business — customer-cowed instead of customer-focused. Real strength lies in daring to say: "STOP!"
IT is a strategic means of production
IT does not deliver gadgets, but technology that is fundamental to producing business and decision-making information. It is just as crucial a means of production as machines in the manufacturing industry. Yet IT often does not receive investment with the same care and priority. So invest in IT as if it concerns the future of your company. Because it does.
Reputation management for IT
Large companies have PR professionals to guard the brand's reputation — because reputation means trust. But who protects the reputation of the IT department? IT has to ensure clear positioning and communication itself. Because if you don't tell your story, others will fill it in. And that is rarely in your favor. Granted: IT professionals are not always communication specialists. But that is no excuse. Start by conveying your mission. Make clear what IT stands for, and above all: what the business may expect from IT — and what is expected of them for a successful collaboration.
Two-way communication: the bridge between IT and the Business
A good reputation starts with open, two-way communication. The IT department is more than a help desk on the other side of the building. Show it! Be proactive, understandable, transparent. Communicate openly about outages, solutions, expectations, and mutual responsibilities. This builds trust and resilience. Even when things go wrong, IT has to show its face. Inform users immediately about impact, solutions, and timelines. By communicating in a structured way, you create calm and trust — even in difficult moments.
Don't let communication be a blind spot
Don't wait until the business understands you. IT has to take the initiative itself. And where necessary, bring in a communication professional with experience in reputation management. This increases the visibility, the reliability, and the support for your IT organization.