Mastering the IT Game: Leadership in the Age of Innovation

Mastering the IT Game: Leadership in the Age of Innovation

In this article, Glenn Van Kooijk shares insights about Agile transformation, project management, and technology leadership, emphasizing adaptability, humility, and structured thinking as key attributes for success in the dynamic IT field.

Glenn van Kooijk is a solutions architect with a career that has spanned across continents and major global corporations. Drawing inspiration from his parents' work with the United Nations, Glenn has a unique ability to find technological solutions to complex business problems. His diverse background includes a degree in marine biology and information technology, as well as fluency in six languages. One of his career highlights was the creation of a global enterprise management system, and he has continued to make significant contributions to various projects, including those related to social justice initiatives at Southwest Key Programs.


TenStep: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in this evolving landscape? And how do you recommend project managers keep their skills current to drive innovation?

Glenn: Remaining up-to-date in the dynamic realm of project management requires a nuanced perspective. While the core principles of project management endure, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies is equally crucial. Whether one adheres to traditional frameworks like PMBOK or embraces newer methodologies such as Agile or Lean Project Management (LPM), staying informed is imperative. This entails understanding the latest industry buzz, such as AI, and acknowledging that technology is a tool, not a solution. Project managers must retain their essential human traits while using technology to make informed decisions. The greater one's experience, the better equipped they are to handle surprises, armed with an expanding toolkit for effective management.

"While the core principles of project management endure, it's equally crucial to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies."

TenStep: Could you share an example that comes to your mind from your career where digital transformation had a significant impact on clients' business processes?

Glenn: I worked with a large nonprofit organization that provides care and support to unaccompanied minors who cross the border. Their operations scaled significantly over the years, and they were managing everything using whiteboards and printed Excel spreadsheets. This approach was inefficient, with multiple staff members continuously updating the boards, leading to errors and high operating costs.

To address this, we embarked on a digital transformation journey. We implemented standard processes for managing incoming, transitioning, and outgoing children, leveraging tools like Oracle APM and ServiceNow. We created a data lake and integrated AI components to automate tasks. Instead of whiteboards, they now had interactive touch screens displaying vital information about the children’s status.

This transformation saved the organization nearly 20% of its operating budget in just one year—while enhancing child safety. With the newfound efficiency and cost savings, they could expand their services and improve the lives of the children they supported. It was a win-win situation-- improving operational effectiveness and the well-being of those they served.?

"The chosen technology should not just solve the immediate problem but also adapt to evolving needs, ensuring long-term value."

TenStep: How do you recommend project managers evaluate the potential business impact of their technology decisions?

Glenn: Choosing the right technology in project management depends on the project's mandate. Suppose it's for personal use; familiarity and efficiency matter most. However, a thorough technology assessment based on requirements is crucial for projects intended to outlast your involvement. It's essential to balance input from various stakeholders--from CEOs to direct leaders--to align individual and organizational objectives. Always question if the chosen technology genuinely addresses the underlying problem.

For instance, a global clinical trials organization initially opted for a large-scale solution called "Plan Your Enterprise." It seemed comprehensive but proved unwieldy as it didn't accommodate regional variations. The critical lesson is to strike a balance between a user-friendly interface and the complexity it might introduce on the backend. The chosen technology should not just solve the immediate problem but also adapt to evolving needs, ensuring long-term value.

TenStep: Could you share an experience where you successfully implemented Agile practices?

Glenn: I was brought into one of Canada's largest banks to enhance their IT department's transition from traditional waterfall methods to full-scale Agile. In a context where consensus-driven decision-making was deeply ingrained, my role was to improve Agile practices while maintaining alignment with the bank’s culture and operational needs. We achieved this by standardizing processes, implementing continuous PI cycles for greater adaptability, introducing Agile dashboards for outcome-focused decisions, streamlining decision-making, and incorporating Canadian values of social engagement and consensus-building. As a result, the bank experienced significant improvements in efficiency, value delivery, and adaptability, all within a more efficient Agile framework.

Agile is a flexible framework adaptable to various organizational needs. While we streamlined and standardized practices, the ultimate goal was to maintain dedicated teams and improve efficiency, which we successfully achieved.

"Your primary attribute should be listening."

TenStep: Could you provide a few tips for improving team dynamics and overall performance?

Glenn: Here are some essential tips I'd like to share that can be applied across various aspects of your work, from personal interactions to technology management and mental organization. Being adaptable, humble, and structured can significantly contribute to your success as a leader and in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

Personal Tips

  • Listen, Be Humble, and Be a Servant Leader: When you step into a leadership role in a project, portfolio, or PMO, remember that you're not just a leader but also a servant. Your primary attribute should be listening. Understand the pain points and problems people are facing. Be humble and open to feedback, even if your proposed solutions are initially rejected. It often takes several iterations to find the right solution.
  • Thoughtful Leadership: Being a leader is different from being a boss. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Thoughtful leadership means being willing to recognize your mistakes, adapt, and guide your team effectively. It's about leading from behind when necessary, and ensuring that your team is headed in the right direction.

Technology Tips

  • No Silver Bullet: Understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution in the IT world. Technology is constantly evolving, and what's considered cutting-edge today may become obsolete tomorrow. Be adaptable and open to new technologies and solutions. Keep up with industry trends and changes.
  • Embrace Technological Fluidity: Technology is fluid and ever-changing. What's popular now may not be relevant in a few years. Embrace this fluidity and be prepared to learn and adapt to new technologies as they emerge. Don't get too attached to any one technology or solution.

Mental Tips

  • Maintain a Structured Thought Process: While your thought process can be creative and expansive, it should also be structured. This means organizing your ideas, processes, and strategies logically and coherently. Whether developing a project plan or solving complex problems, having a structured mindset helps you stay organized and effective.


About TenStep

TenStep is a 23-year-old global project management consultancy that enables organizations to implement their most ambitious strategies—through practical project management support. We offer unrivaled staffing solutions to complement our enterprise-wide project management consulting and training services.


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