The Human Factor: Imperative to Successful Tech Collaboration

Businesses today are in a strange position; technology has advanced so far so fast that we now look to it to solve most of our basic problems. Humans have come to the conclusion that the latest technology can solve anything, but this isn't necessarily true. Without professional installation, application, and integration, this new technology won't be any more effective than that bulky old desktop you've been using. You need the proper manpower to succeed in this new age of technology.

New research has enlightened Brian Solis, the principal analyst of Altimeter Group, to the nature of digital transformation amongst companies choosing the digital customer experience. He tells CIO.com:

That's the irony about digital transformation, it doesn't work when in and of itself technology is the solution. Technology has to be an enabler and that enabler needs to be aligned with a bigger mission. We already found that companies that lead digital transformation from a more human center actually bring people together in the organization faster and with greater results.

Technology isn't meant to be a solution, but a catalyst for the solution. The people themselves are what fuel the changes in policy.

CIOs Should be More Sociable
Continuing Solis' thoughts, he believes that the technology integrator has a long and arduous road ahead of them. In most companies, the CIO, or Chief Information Officer, is the one who handles the implementation of new technology. Solis says, "The CIO is more important than ever before. Instead of working against a technology roadmap, CIOs are now focusing on organizational processes and objectives that matter more to different types of customers and employees." Basically, Solis suggests that adding the management of technology personnel to the CIO's responsibilities would benefit their business practices.

This shift could pose a serious challenge for the CIO, especially if they plan on sticking around for a long time. After all, the CIO likely got into the tech business because they love technology. "HR can deal with people so I don't need to," they might say. Of course, technology growth has inflated so far that corporate culture is built around it. Without a supportive atmosphere, technology can't flourish in a business. Technology listens better than people do, though, and it's far easier to troubleshoot. This is the biggest problem that CIOs find when dealing with people. They know how technology will behave, but people are unpredictable and spontaneous.

Technology Motivation 101
The CIO should be responsible for getting people going on new technology initiatives and practices which foster increased productivity. If the team is used to dealing with, say, Windows XP, they may not want to invest the time into learning a new operating system. They might anticipate that the negative feedback can make the CIO change their mind, even if the new technology alleviates common problems, just for the sake of normalcy. Other people might dislike the CIO for personal reasons and refuse to cooperate just to give them a hard time. Either way, poor attitudes and workflows lead to wasted time and money; something that nobody wants to deal with as a CIO.

As the business owner, you're responsible for the way your team acts, and it is your job to get them to do theirs (or find someone else who will). It is imperative that your team knows the importance of technology to your workplace and the effects it has on the success of the company. If the team understands how important technology is for their jobs, they can better understand how to do their work, and financially secure both your company's future and their own. Think about why you value the latest technology, and communicate these values to the team. Don't be afraid to show them the fiery passion for technology that burns within your heart.

Computerware can act as your business technology consultant, helping your employees deal with new technology and all of the benefits it can bring to your business. We can provide educational resources to help your employees understand the important role that new technology plays in your business. Give us a call at (703) 821-8200 to make your technology work for you and your employees.