The IT Leadership Deal

The ten biggest problems with the last business age - the so called knowledge economy and information age - how much more information do we need, before we make a true decision, and take action...and ten suggestions...

THE PAST

2. Why are you here – what is your cause?

…When organisations do not feel in control of their own destiny, especially in tough economic times, they focus on survival, and internal operations, at the expense of their big picture, dreams and cause. When organisations first start, they are clear on why they are starting. As they grow, and day-to-day operations take over the agenda, the big vision starts to disappear. I frequently ask Boards and senior leaders to write down what their organisation stands for. I have never had two people agree, and, more worryingly, almost all the contributions focus on internal, rather than external thinking and agendas, and has not delivered business as a force for good in our world…

THE FUTURE

Have a relentless Cause – a reason for being - not a mission statement

And never compromise on it, make it laser clear that this is why you exist. And focus on your core constituents, those who believe in your cause. You will always have differences of opinion on ‘How’ to achieve it; never compromise on the ‘What’

* Advertise your Cause to attract the right people to you like a magnet
* Be evangelical about your Cause, and what it means for you, society and the world
* Everything you do, 100%, must ultimately focus on whether it helps bring your Cause closer

(And a 4th – how is what you do, and who you are, helping your community, our society, our
world? Be clear, open and proud on this – and these messages are stronger and more easily
accepted from your people than from your Managing Director).