Introducing risky IT strategies faces resistance. How will you overcome it effectively?

Introducing risky IT strategies often meets resistance due to fear of the unknown and potential disruption. ?? 1. Communication is Key: Clearly articulate the benefits and potential impacts of the new strategy. Use data and real-world examples to build trust and demonstrate value. ?? 2. Engage Stakeholders Early: Involve key players from the beginning to gain their buy-in and address concerns upfront. This fosters a sense of ownership and reduces pushback. ?? 3. Pilot Programs: Implement small-scale pilot programs to showcase success and learn from any challenges. This approach minimizes risk and builds confidence in the new strategy. ?? You can turn resistance into a collaborative journey towards innovation and success. ??

The fundamental question is why an IT Strategy is believed to be ‘risky’ in the first place. Risks should be specific and identified so they can be truly understood. A well thought out and comprehensive IT strategy should balance risks with the rewards and benefits of reaching the deliverables. The risks along the way can often be at least partially mitigated or reduced and this can be a great way to put people’s minds at rest. The more you can include the right stakeholders in this aspect of the strategy, the easier this becomes.

1) Prioritize quality as No. 1 2) Be attentive towards perceived risks 3) Make risks transparent explicitly (written) 4) Work on mitigations 5) Risk is only a fear when it is not tackled / mitigated 6) Comfort team and stakeholders: communicate 7) Resistance will decrease when people get heard 8) Always iterate on communication with your team

Introducing a new strategy always involves risk. So, the approach is to make it clear and concise, offering honest explanations about the plan. The starting point is to lessen the explanation equations regarding the plan and explain what the change will possibly bring about in terms of warf changes.

If you are going to introduce a risky strategy, the first question is why? Is there a threat or opportunity so great the risk is worth it? Just as sports teams try at the end of a game to turn around a losing position, you may be faced with such a situation. If so, assess the risk and gain, communicate early and often why you need to take such a large risk and what you plan to do to mitigate those risks as much as possible. If you are taking great risks without a possible massive gain, others are right to question your wisdom and strategy. If you can't clearly lay out the significant benefit for taking the risk, you're being reckless and if you haven't mitigated the risks as much as possible, you are not doing your job.