You're focused on short-term gains, but how can you see the long-term value in IT initiatives?

IT Strategy articulates how an organization will leverage Technology to meet its business goals. Adopt below approach to show long-term value of IT initiatives: 1. Align IT priorities with the business goals. 2. Translate into measures outlining ‘what does success look like’ (short, long term). 3. Craft Tech investment plan, IT initiatives to contribute to long term growth. 4. Execute IT initiatives through a culture of innovation. Start small (pilots), assess metrics, fail fast, refine. 5. Scale at speed. Measure the impact. Communicate, listen to business feedback, continuously learn. 6. Course correct any sub-set of IT initiatives to be able to achieve desired business outcomes, showcase Value.

Make ensuring that the organization's long-term vision and strategic goals are in line with IT initiatives. When organizing initiatives, think about how they will enhance competitive advantage, scalability, and future growth. Provide a concise road map that explains how each project advances overarching corporate goals and links immediate benefits to long-term value. You may more fully understand IT projects' long-term effects and make more educated decisions that strike a balance between short-term gains and long-term success by connecting them to the overarching vision.

What long term goal(s) touch multiple teams and would drive impact for end user experience and IT management? Create an end-state vision with "musts" and "nice to haves" that can be accomplished in 12-24 months.

IT strategy is not the same as IT operations or IT Dev Ops for that matter. IT strategy is 'long term' whereas the timeline for 'long term' is to anyone's preferred number. Knee-jerk reactions are never good and IT strategy is the 'engineering space' of IT as in it is very deliberate and precise in its parameters. Visions/Mission statements do not get revised every month but are long term statements and thus IT strategy rides the same wave.

Chasing quick wins in IT is like building a house of cards - impressive, but unstable. True IT value lies in strategic vision. By aligning tech initiatives with long-term business goals, we create a foundation for sustainable growth. This approach transforms IT from a cost center to a value driver, fostering innovation, efficiency, and adaptability. While the journey requires patience, the rewards - enhanced competitiveness, improved customer experiences, and future-ready operations - far outweigh short-term gains. Embrace IT as your catalyst for enduring success in the digital age.

Assess which projects have already been started, completed, or are in progress to drive the long term goals. What have the challenges or roadblocks been? Is there overlap between teams? Allow teams to 'zoom out' and see the bigger picture. Consolidation and a multi-disciplinary team is a must to achieve both short and long term goals.

Where does your organization need to scale? What market or industry trends are going to require the need to scale in the next 12-24 months? After answering these questions, back into technology solutions that allow for growth in the long-term and support the goals of the wider organization.

What is the lowest hanging fruit when it comes to innovation? Come up with a list of 1-3 areas that are outdated and costly. Eliminating or consolidating point solutions is a great way to embrace innovation while keeping risk in check.

There are all kinds of ways to measure impact but the three that I focus on with clients are cost savings, operational savings/reduced management burden, and providing a seamless end user experience.