How would you address conflicting priorities between IT teams and automation goals?

Position automation as a tool that enhances IT operations rather than replacing them. Showcase how automation can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up IT personnel for strategic work.

I would say, Addressing conflicting priorities between IT teams and automation goals requires clear communication, alignment on objectives, and collaboration. Start by involving both IT and automation teams early in the process to establish shared goals. Clearly articulate the strategic benefits of automation, such as efficiency gains, improved scalability, and reduced manual workloads, to create a common vision. Facilitate open dialogue to understand the IT team's concerns, whether it's related to resource constraints, security risks, or integration challenges. Prioritize initiatives aligned with both IT’s operational requirements and automation objectives by adopting a phased approach, focusing on quick wins to demo value to them.

Based on my experience, addressing conflicting priorities between IT teams and automation goals requires clear communication and compromise. I work to align both sides by highlighting how automation can support IT's long-term objectives, such as scalability and security, while also meeting immediate operational needs. This approach helps ensure both teams are working towards a shared vision.

One very important objective of the automation team is to constantly search for needs to improve processes. The more automated the function is, the better is the cost effectiveness for the organisation.

Like it says, take time to understand the specific needs of your IT team. They might not fully align with the certain roadmap of automating, due to issues you won't understand at first. Which is completely fine, if you give them the time to speak there mind. Once you have their needs set, you can find a way to make your automated system work within it. In the end, they need to maintain and manage that environment, so you need them to be aligned with the new automations.

Communication holds key to any work aspect. If there is conflict, the communication is only way to solve an issue because bad communication is a virus to a business success.

Training and L&D must go hand in hand. Functions must vouch for strong knowledge sharing standards and ensure staff participation as well as sharing the learning’s for staff competency improvements.

I make sure to respect the boundaries of each team's responsibilities and capacities. It is important to recognize that the IT team has its own set of priorities and challenges. Respecting their boundaries and finding ways to integrate automation goals without burdening them will result to harmonious working relationship