What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 5
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 5
By TC Gill
Welcome to Part 5 of our series on the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams. In this installment, we delve into a critical aspect of tech leadership: budget management. In today’s tech landscape, where technology functions are not just cost centers but integral to business success, effective budget management is paramount. Join us as we explore the challenges CTOs face in budget management and discover strategies to navigate them successfully.
The Challenge of Budget Management
In the realm of technology leadership, effective budget management encompasses far more than mere financial oversight. It represents a strategic endeavor marked by a series of intricate challenges that CTOs face in their pursuit of fostering innovation while ensuring operational efficiency. These challenges are multifaceted, reflecting the dynamic interplay between forecasting accuracy, balancing innovation with operational necessities, and managing stakeholder expectations within the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Forecasting Accuracy and Unpredictability
One of the most significant hurdles in budget management is the ability to forecast future financial needs with a high degree of accuracy. The tech industry is known for its rapid pace of change, with new technologies emerging and market demands evolving at an unprecedented rate. This unpredictability makes it challenging for CTOs to anticipate expenses accurately, often leading to discrepancies between forecasted and actual spending. The task is further complicated by the need to stay ahead of technological advancements, requiring allocations for new investments that were not part of the original budget planning. This scenario demands a flexible approach to budgeting, one that allows for quick adjustments in response to technological shifts without jeopardizing the financial stability of ongoing projects.
Balancing Innovation with Operational Necessities
Another critical challenge is the allocation of resources between innovative projects and the maintenance of existing operations. CTOs are tasked with driving growth through innovation while ensuring the reliability and efficiency of current systems. This balancing act is complicated by the competing demands of projects, each vying for a share of the budget based on their potential to contribute to the organization's strategic goals. The challenge lies in making informed decisions that prioritize projects not only on their immediate impact but also on their alignment with long-term objectives. This often involves tough choices, such as reallocating resources from popular initiatives to those that promise greater strategic value, all while maintaining operational excellence.
Managing Stakeholder Expectations
Compounding these challenges is the need to manage the expectations of a diverse group of stakeholders, including team members, executives, and external partners. Each group has its own set of priorities and expectations regarding budget allocations, making it difficult to achieve consensus. For instance, while the development team may push for increased funding for cutting-edge research, the finance department might emphasize cost reduction and efficiency. Navigating these differing priorities requires CTOs to engage in clear communication and consensus-building, striving to align budget allocations with the organization's overarching strategic goals. This involves making difficult decisions, negotiating compromises, and sometimes, advocating for budget adjustments to ensure both innovation and operational stability are adequately funded.
The Steps Needed for Effective Budget Management
In the fast-paced world of technology, Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) face the tricky balance of planning for the unknown and making every penny count. Gone are the days of set-it-and-forget-it budgets. Today, managing finances means being as nimble and innovative as the technologies we work with. We're diving into three key strategies that make budgeting less of a headache and more of a strategic advantage: Dynamic Budget Formulation and Adjustment, Prioritization and Resource Optimization, and Embracing Agile Financial Planning. These approaches not only help tackle the unpredictable nature of tech finance but also ensure that CTOs can keep their teams innovating, operations smooth, and stakeholders happy—all without breaking the bank. Let's explore how these strategies can transform budget woes into budget wins.
Dynamic Budget Formulation and Adjustment
To combat forecasting inaccuracies and the unpredictability of the tech landscape, adopting a dynamic approach to budget formulation and adjustment is crucial. This strategy involves regular review and realignment of the budget to reflect changing priorities and market conditions. By allowing for frequent adjustments, CTOs can ensure that financial planning remains flexible, responsive to technological shifts, and capable of accommodating new investments. This approach directly tackles the challenge of forecasting accuracy by instituting a framework that supports swift adaptation to unforeseen financial needs and opportunities.
Prioritization and Resource Optimization
Addressing the challenge of balancing innovation with operational necessities, the solution of prioritization and resource optimization is key. By employing a structured evaluation process for projects, such as the MoSCoW method, CTOs can identify and allocate resources to initiatives that align with the organization's strategic goals and offer the highest potential impact. This strategic prioritization ensures that limited resources are directed toward projects that not only promise significant returns but also maintain or enhance operational stability. This solution facilitates informed decision-making, enabling CTOs to navigate the delicate balance between fostering innovation and sustaining existing operations effectively.
Embracing Agile Financial Planning
To manage the complex interplay of stakeholder expectations, adopting an agile approach to financial planning offers a pathway to achieving consensus and aligning budget allocations with strategic objectives. Agile budgeting, characterized by its flexibility and iterative nature, allows for ongoing adjustments based on feedback from stakeholders and changes in business needs. This method promotes transparency and collaboration, encouraging input from various departments and ensuring that budget decisions support the overall vision of the organization. By fostering an environment where financial planning is adaptable and inclusive, CTOs can more effectively manage stakeholder expectations, negotiate compromises, and ensure that budget allocations reflect a shared understanding of the organization's priorities.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. What “I” think are the top five challenges. This is just from the perspectives of my lens and the conversations I’ve had with tech leaders. What are the topics that you would have listed in addition to these? I’d love to know. Drop me a line on tc.gill@it-labs.com if you feel there is a particular one that could be mentioned and unpacked.
So, what do you think? What do the challenges mentioned here mean to you? Did they get you thinking. How can you overcome these challenges? Is there something on the other side of them? An “opportunity” maybe! If you can get them out of the way.
Drop me a line and let me know your thoughts. In the meantime, keep growing and thriving.
Leadership is a ride… do your best to enjoy it.
Author
TC Gill – People Development Coach and Strategist
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 4
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 4
By TC Gill
The tech industry evolves rapidly, and CTOs must lead their teams through these changes, often requiring quick adaptations in skills, tools, and processes. It is a tough gig. I often see CTOs like time lords (reference to the main character in the famous “Dr Who” series). You not only have to deal with the past (legacy), but there is also the future (new innovations) and the most important moment, the here and now. It is a lot to navigate, and this comes up often in my tech leader conversations.
Handling the challenge of rapid changes in the tech world can sometimes be the make or break for a company and for teams.
The challenge of dealing with rapid technological changes
As we delve into the intricacies of this challenge, it becomes apparent that it encompasses several daunting aspects, each presenting its own set of hurdles to overcome.
Continuous Adaptation
In the dynamic landscape of technology, where innovations emerge at an unprecedented pace, the need for continuous adaptation is paramount. CTOs and their teams must remain agile, ready to evolve their skills, tools, and processes to stay ahead of the curve. This entails fostering a culture of lifelong learning, where team members are encouraged to embrace new technologies, acquire new skills, and adapt their workflows to meet evolving demands. By prioritizing continuous adaptation, CTOs ensure that their teams remain resilient and responsive to the ever-changing technological landscape.
Navigating Legacy and Innovation
Navigating the delicate balance between legacy systems and innovation is a challenge that CTOs must confront head-on. While legacy systems may be deeply ingrained within an organization, inhibiting agility and scalability, embracing new innovations is essential for driving progress and maintaining competitiveness. CTOs must carefully assess legacy systems, identifying opportunities for modernization and integration with innovative technologies. This requires strategic planning, effective communication, and meticulous execution to ensure seamless transitions and integration. By striking the right balance between addressing legacy systems and embracing innovation, CTOs empower their teams to leverage the best of both worlds, driving efficiency, and innovation.
Information Overload
In an era characterized by an abundance of information, staying informed about the latest technological trends and advancements can be overwhelming for CTOs and their teams. The sheer volume of information available can lead to information overload, making it challenging to discern relevant insights from the noise. To mitigate this challenge, CTOs must adopt a discerning approach to information consumption, prioritizing sources that provide valuable and actionable insights. Additionally, leveraging tools and technologies such as data analytics and machine learning can help streamline the process of gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information. By empowering their teams with the right tools and resources, CTOs enable them to navigate the vast sea of information effectively, minimizing the risk of information overload and potential blind spots.
Maintaining Team Morale
Constant changes and the pressure to keep up with the latest technologies can take a toll on team morale and productivity. As CTOs lead their teams through the challenges of rapid technological changes, it’s essential to prioritize the well-being and morale of team members. This involves fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and motivated to succeed. CTOs can nurture team morale by providing opportunities for professional growth and development, recognizing and celebrating achievements, and fostering open communication and collaboration. By investing in their team’s well-being, CTOs cultivate a positive and resilient culture that enables their teams to thrive amidst the demands of rapid technological changes.
How to stay ahead of the big tech development curve
So, what are the strategies for tech leaders to navigate rapid technological changes in the face of the relentless pace. Here are a few I feel would be good to focus on.
Embrace Agile Methodologies and Continuous Learning
Cultivating an Agile culture within the organization is paramount for adapting to the rapidly changing tech landscape. Agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban promote flexibility, iterative development, and responsiveness to change, enabling teams to deliver value to customers more efficiently. By embracing Agile principles, CTOs foster a collaborative environment where teams can adapt to evolving requirements and address challenges in a timely manner. Additionally, encouraging continuous learning among team members is essential for staying ahead in the tech industry. Providing opportunities for online courses, industry events, and knowledge sharing sessions empowers team members to enhance their skills and stay abreast of emerging technologies. This commitment to continuous learning ensures that teams remain adaptable and equipped to tackle new challenges as they arise.
Stay Proactively Informed
Maintaining a proactive stance in seeking out the latest information and insights in the tech world is critical for CTOs to effectively lead their teams. Actively monitoring industry news, participating in relevant forums and communities, and engaging with thought leaders allows CTOs to anticipate changes and trends. By staying informed about technological advancements, CTOs can make informed decisions and proactively prepare their teams for upcoming challenges. Additionally, dedicating time to researching and studying emerging technologies enables CTOs to identify opportunities for innovation and growth within their organization. This proactive approach ensures that teams remain competitive and future-ready in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Encourage Open Dialogue
Fostering an environment of open dialogue within tech teams is essential for promoting collaboration and innovation. By encouraging discussions about industry changes and technological advancements, CTOs create a space where team members can share insights, express concerns, and propose solutions collaboratively. Regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions provide opportunities for team members to voice their opinions and contribute to the collective knowledge of the team. Furthermore, creating platforms and tools that facilitate communication and collaboration, such as chat channels and virtual whiteboards, enables teams to harness their collective intelligence effectively. This culture of open dialogue and collaboration empowers teams to tackle challenges more efficiently and drive continuous improvement.
Takeaway
As the tech landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, CTOs and their teams face multifaceted challenges that demand innovative solutions. Embracing Agile methodologies and a culture of continuous learning fosters adaptability and resilience, empowering teams to navigate change with agility. By proactively seeking out insights and trends, CTOs position their teams for success in a dynamic environment, driving innovation and growth. Furthermore, fostering open dialogue and collaboration cultivates a culture of creativity and problem-solving, enabling teams to thrive amidst uncertainty. Together, these strategies equip CTOs and their teams to embrace the challenges of rapid technological changes, charting a course for continued excellence and achievement in the ever-evolving tech landscape. everyone informed but also helps in collectively navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies.
By implementing these strategies, tech leaders reduce their blind spots and can effectively guide their teams through the complexities of rapid technological changes, ensuring agility, preparedness, and continued growth in an ever-evolving tech landscape.
Author
TC Gill – People Development Coach and Strategist
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 3
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 3
By TC Gill
What was once a playground for innovation and experimentation has now transformed into a strategic battleground where every technological endeavor must align with broader business objectives. This shift marks a departure from the era of tech for tech’s sake to one where every innovation must serve a purpose – to meet the needs of the customer and drive organizational success. As we delve deeper into the following challenge, it becomes evident that several key aspects contribute to its complexity.
The challenge of creating team alignment to business goals
Gone are the days when tech was such a cool thing, we knocked out tech for tech’s sake. It was a bit of a crazy fun party where everywhere you turned; people were creating tech for dubious “good” reasons. Well party time is over. The innovation storm that the tech world resides in just doesn’t have room for doing things because we think they seem kind of funky. We must buckle up and align to the outcomes the business needs, which is strongly underlined by the outcomes the end customer wants!
Here are some of the aspects that need to be considered in order to understand this challenge:
Changing Landscape
Gone are the days when technological prowess alone could guarantee success in the marketplace. Today, tech leaders find themselves grappling with the daunting task of navigating a rapidly changing landscape where the focus has shifted towards delivering tangible business outcomes. The challenge lies in steering the ship away from the allure of technological novelty towards a course that is firmly aligned with the overarching goals of the organization.
Communication Gap
One of the foremost challenges in aligning tech teams with business goals lies in bridging the communication gap that often exists between technical experts and the broader objectives of the company. Without clear and consistent communication channels, team members may find themselves adrift in a sea of technical jargon, disconnected from the larger vision of the organization. It is imperative for tech leaders to establish transparent communication channels that ensure every team member understands how their work contributes to the company’s success.
Vision Alignment
Another critical aspect of the challenge is ensuring that every member of the tech team is aligned with the company’s vision. Without a shared sense of purpose, individual efforts may diverge, leading to fragmentation and inefficiency. Tech leaders must take proactive steps to articulate and reinforce the company’s vision, integrating it into every aspect of the team’s operations. By fostering a shared understanding of the organization’s goals and values, tech leaders can create a cohesive team that is united in its pursuit of success.
Measurement and Evaluation
Finally, aligning tech teams with business goals requires a shift in focus from output metrics to outcome-oriented measurements. Too often, teams are judged solely on their ability to deliver projects on time and within budget, without considering the broader impact of their work. Tech leaders must redefine success metrics to emphasize the value their teams bring to the organization, focusing on outcomes such as customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and market share. By aligning performance metrics with business objectives, tech leaders can ensure that every member of the team is working towards a common goal.
How to create that alignment in your teams
So let me share with you what I think are the strategies for tech leaders to align teams with business goals. Here are a few that I’ve seen employed by tech leaders in my community.
Clarity in communication
Firstly, let’s get great at that thing that flows in all human systems, communication. Create crystal-clear communications on our collective objectives. As a CTO, it’s imperative to ensure that your team is not just aware of, but fully understands the broader business objectives. This means consistently communicating the goals, strategies, and expectations in a clear and concise manner. It’s about making sure everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction.
Know where you want to go
As the leader in the space, it’s your top priority to reinforce a unified vision. I suggest continuously articulate and reinforce the company’s vision, over and over again. Integrate the vision into every conversation and decision-making process. The goal is to embed this vision deeply into the team’s mindset, so much so that it becomes a natural part of their thought process and approach to work.
Feedback, feedback, feedback
Businesses are a system of systems, and all healthy systems have healthy feedback loops. So, provide ongoing updates and feedback. Keep the team in the loop with regular updates on progress, changes, and any shifts in strategy. This ongoing communication is key to maintaining alignment, as it helps the team understand how their work fits into the larger picture and adapt as needed.
Outcomes are important as well!
Also focus on outcomes, not just outputs. Shift the emphasis from mere output or quantity of work to the impact of that work on business and customer outcomes. Make it clear that success is measured not just by what is produced, but by how it contributes to the company’s goals and adds value to the customer experience.
By implementing these strategies, tech leaders can effectively overcome the challenge of aligning their teams with the business goals, ensuring that every member contributes meaningfully towards the collective success of the organization.
Takeaways
Clarity, communication, and a strong commitment to a common vision are essential for success.
Tech executives may create a course for relevance and resilience by embracing the changing tech landscape and anchoring every endeavour to strategic goals. Leaders build a unified front in which every team member participates meaningfully by communicating openly and relentlessly on the company’s vision.
Furthermore, by redefining success measurements, leaders foster an environment of accountability and creativity in which every accomplishment moves the organisation ahead.
Let us carry on the lessons we’ve learned: true magic is found in transforming businesses, inspiring teams, and improving customer lives. With vision as our compass and collaboration as our guide, let us forge ahead into the unknown, seeing problems as possibilities and crafting a future where innovation knows no bounds.
Author
TC Gill – People Development Coach and Strategist
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 2
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 2
By TC Gill
In the whirlwind world of technology, where innovation and change are the only constants, the role of a CTO transcends mere management. It’s a dance on the razor’s edge of progress, where every step forward is met with new challenges.
At the heart of this dynamic arena is the challenge of leadership — how to guide, inspire, and retain a team of brilliant minds that are the lifeblood of technological advancement. The second part of this series delves into the nuanced world of tech leadership, dissecting the top challenges CTOs face in rallying their troops toward innovation and success.
Looking for Part 1? You can find it right here –> Part 1
Otherwise, dive in.
The challenge of recruiting and retaining top notch people
As we peel back the layers of tech leadership, we uncover a series of intricate challenges that CTOs face in the digital age. These hurdles are not just about technology; they’re about people, processes, and the delicate balance between innovation and stability. Each challenge presents a unique puzzle, requiring a blend of strategic foresight, empathy, and adaptability. In this section, we explore these pivotal issues, offering insights and strategies to navigate the complex terrain of leading tech teams to triumph.
Navigating the Talent War
The tech industry is notorious for its fierce competition for talent. CTOs are often at the forefront of this battle, striving to not just attract but also retain the brightest minds. This challenge is compounded by the rise of remote work, which has widened the talent pool but also intensified competition. Leaders must be adept at showcasing their company’s unique value proposition and crafting a work environment that caters to the diverse needs of today’s tech professionals.
Fostering Innovation While Maintaining Stability
Balancing the drive for innovation with the need for stable, reliable systems is a tightrope walk. CTOs must champion forward-thinking projects and technologies without jeopardizing the core operations that keep the business running smoothly. This requires a strategic mindset, capable of assessing risks and making informed decisions that align with long-term objectives.
Adapting to Rapid Technological Changes
The pace of technological advancement is unrelenting. CTOs must ensure their teams are not only up-to-date with the latest technologies but also proficient in them. This entails a commitment to continuous learning and development, fostering a culture where adaptation and growth are part of the daily routine.
Ensuring Team Cohesion in a Diverse Environment
Today’s tech teams are more diverse than ever, spanning different cultures, time zones, and working styles. While this diversity is a strength, it also presents a challenge in maintaining a cohesive team dynamic. Effective communication, inclusive leadership practices, and a strong sense of shared purpose are essential in unifying the team.
Leading Through Uncertainty
The tech industry is no stranger to uncertainty, be it from market fluctuations, regulatory changes, or emerging competitors. CTOs must lead with confidence and clarity, even when the path ahead is murky. This involves making tough decisions with incomplete information, managing stakeholder expectations, and keeping the team focused and motivated despite external pressures.
The Road to Finding and Retaining Top Talent
So, drawing from my personal lived stories and insights gained from dialogues with fellow tech leaders, lets answer the question of how can we effectively attract and retain top talent?
Enticing Talent with Compelling Rewards
Starting with the obvious, offer competitive compensation and attractive benefits to boot. All leaders want value from their talent and to get that, we have to offer reasonable value in return. i.e. a package that’s not just fair, but also appealing in the competitive tech landscape. You’ve often got to stand out. So, I encourage you to get creative on how you can do that. This doesn’t just include attractive salaries. Throw in a spectrum of comprehensive benefits, and additional perks.
Cultivating an Irresistible Workplace Vibe
Get incredibly intentional about cultivating the right culture. Building a culture that naturally draws in talent is crucial. This means creating an environment that’s inclusive, innovative, and aligns with the values and aspirations of the professionals you want to attract. A really delightful book on this that I’ve read, as well as many of the tech leaders I spoke to is “No Rule Rules” by Reed Hastings & Erin Meyer (the Netflix culture). Never leave culture to chance. Be intentional in its design and maintenance.
Empowering Teams Through Growth Initiatives
See everyone in your team as a unique person in their own right through commitment to their professional growth. Investing in the continuous development of your team not only enhances their skills but also shows your commitment to their career progression. This can be through ongoing training, mentorship programs, and opportunities for advancement. When people feel like they are growing, they feel fulfilled and that not only makes the feel like they belong, but it also creates a gravity that attracts others to want to be part of your team space.
Harmonizing Work and Well-being
Find the right balance of work with sustainable working practices. I really encourage leaders to embrace the principle of sustainable working as outlined in the Agile methodology. This involves creating a work environment that promotes balance, efficiency, and respect for individual needs and boundaries. Also listen and observe when the balance is out. Use this feedback loop as often as possible to tune the efforts of the team to not only serve the value delivered to the customer, but the wellbeing of your people.
Inspiring Passion and Commitment
Don’t just see the work as work. i.e. Something to be ticked off. Great leaders create engagement through making the work purposeful. Ensure you teams understand how their roles contribute to the broader business objectives and the impact on the end customer. i.e. How their work is journeying towards a vision that will make a difference. In addition, encourage creativity and innovation in their approach. When employees feel their work is purposeful and they are part of the bigger picture, their engagement and loyalty to the company increases significantly.
By focusing on these areas, tech leaders can create a magnetic pull for top talent and foster a culture where they choose to stay and thrive.
Author
TC Gill – People Development Coach and Strategist
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 1
What are the Top 5 CTO Challenges in Leading Teams – Part 1
By TC Gill
Questions around leading and management of teams have been on my (and other tech leaders I assume) – specifically, what are the most common challenges? Someone asked me this question, and while I should’ve had it all wrapped up in my head, it kind of stopped me in my tracks. Not because I was stuck for answers, but because there are so many that came to mind. Being the “Chief talking Officer” (CtO) of the CTO Confessions podcast and leading many technical people into the space of leadership – I was properly spoilt for choice.
So, I decided to “go long” with this – with the goal to cover the most important aspects of what the challenges are, and what tech leaders can do to overcome them, covered in 5 parts.
We’re kicking off with a problem that is fairly recent.
The Challenge of Orchestrating Remote Teams
This is any leader’s labyrinth now – not just tech leaders. Unless you’ve been hiding under some very big rocks, a new era unfolded in the world. Many companies were using remote working to some extent, especially in the tech space, but COVID did a number on us. This wasn’t just a change; it was a quantum leap into a new reality for many business functions. Remote became a norm that we had to adapt to quickly.
Looking at the concept of remote work, it comes with a variety of benefits and drawbacks – with the drawbacks’ list now seemingly growing, with research now pointing in a different direction, as well as statements and claims of influential tech leaders. So I’ll focus on the challenges posed by remote and diverse teams, and the biggest problems relating to it.
We lost the art of mingling
This is a big one for me. Remember the good old days when we had watercooler moments and team lunches with actual real people in front of us? Sadly, this seems a thing of the past. Or at least for it to happen regularly. Trying to foster and invigorate the social system and serendipitous moments of people meeting has turned into a challenging high wire act… without a safety net.
UTC, ET, or CST?
Second one added to the challenge cocktail – leaders must be global multi time zone orchestrators. It’s a global thing now. The world got a lot smaller and bigger at the same time, with mornings, afternoons and evenings sometimes all in a meeting at once. This difference in time-zones can be a strain on operations in any team, and can lead to lapses in communication, and lower collaboration.
Trust & Communication
The lack of contact and face-to-face time can be a hurdle in establishing a culture, principles, and some simple common understanding in teams. Add the global-ness into the mix, with the diversity of cultures that all have their own norms – and you’re walking a delicate line in terms of leading. And this is where this whole thing can crumble like a tower of cards – lack of connection gives way to lack of trust, then bad communication, lack of collaboration…well, I won’t keep on catastrophizing – you get the picture.
Now let’s jump to what we can do!
How to walk the leadership walk
So, how do we perform this high wire act of orchestrating remote and diverse teams? What steps can we take to enhance your approach? Drawing down from my personal experience and insights gathered from interviews and meetings with more than 100 tech leaders, I’ve come up with the following list:
- Prioritize the social fabric of your workplace. It’s crucial to put a spotlight on the social dynamics within the team. What I like to call “the social system”. Nurturing relationships and understanding interpersonal dynamics are key to not just productivity, but also satisfaction.
- And on top of that make it real! facilitate real-life connections. Whenever possible, arrange for the team to meet in person. An initial face-to-face gathering, especially an icebreaker event, can lay a strong foundation for future remote interactions. If you can’t do this, I implore you to get creative on how you can do this remotely. Whatever happens, people must get to know each other. As my personal leadership mantra goes: “Relationship first”.
- The third thing on my list is equip your people with the right tools for effective collaboration. The digital toolbox is essential for seamless remote work and maintaining productivity. But again, don’t just throw the tools into the space, think about how they can be used elegantly. Tap into the teams with continuous learning about the way they work, and how this learning can be brought to life to create an iteratively smoother ride for all concerned.
- And finally in the context of remote working, develop skills and processes that make it easy, productive, and fun. It’s not just about being able to see each other on a screen. Cultivating the right skills and establishing robust processes for remote work are critical for success. Don’t leave it to chance. Lead the way. Get people thinking about what’s working well and what’s not. I suggest conducting cyclic remote working retrospectives for learning and adaptation.
Thankfully, many of the tech leaders I’ve worked with and met, work on the said topics in a big way. I hope some of the ideas here inspire you to put a bright spotlight on the topic.
Stay tuned for Part 2, coming next week!
Author
TC Gill – People Development Coach and Strategist
A Guide for Tech Leaders to Boost Team Efficiency and Quality Through Outside Expertise
Articles
John Abadom
General Manager at IT Labs LTD
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, businesses often find themselves grappling with the challenge of developing innovative software solutions to stay ahead of the competition – and with the advancements made in technology, coupled with the customer and market demands, innovation has turned from goal to a necessity.
For businesses and leaders that lack the capacity to create and deploy software, the journey from conception to execution can be a daunting one. This poses a problem that can be both resource and time-consuming – and one that can be easily solved by finding an external partner that can do this for them – like IT Labs.
Choosing your software development partner is not like choosing a regular vendor for your needs – it’s a strategic move that can empower your business by building resilient, scalable, and innovative applications. By leveraging you partner’s expertise and experience, you’re not just keeping up with the competition in the present – you’re laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
What Your Outside Expert Needs to Look Like
Considering the role, the implications, and the potential influence your software development partner might have on business growth, it’s important that you pick the right one. This means that your outside experts need to have the following qualities:
And, of course, there’s always the option of mixing teams – in an era where technological prowess defines competitiveness, the synergy between in-house teams and external expertise becomes a cornerstone for success.
Getting the Collaboration Moving – Process Outline
The process of getting the collaboration moving, it’s important to follow the phases through, as the initial phases are crucial in setting up the collaboration for success.
Our approach for tech leaders wanting to work together in navigate the software development process is listed below:
Step 1 – Define Clear Objectives and Requirements
Before embarking on the software development journey, technology leaders must clearly define project objectives and requirements. This includes understanding business goals, user needs, and desired functionalities. Meticulously documenting forms the foundation of the project.
Step 2 – Assess In-House Capabilities
Tech leaders should evaluate their in-house capabilities and expertise. By acknowledging strengths and identifying potential skill gaps, technology leaders can strategically decide which aspects of the project are best suited for internal development and where external expertise would be invaluable.
Step 3 – Forge a Strategic Partnership
Selecting the right software development partner is paramount and tech leaders should opt for a partner, with a track record of success deliveries, diverse tech capacity and innovation. This partnership should not be transactional but collaborative, where open communication and shared goals foster an environment of trust and creativity.
Step 4 – Collaborative Planning and Agile Methodologies
Work closely with the chosen software development partner in collaborative planning. Adopt agile methodologies that allow for iterative development, ensuring that the project stays on track, and adjustments can be made swiftly. This fosters a culture of adaptability and responsiveness to changing requirements.
Step 5 – Radical Transparency in Project Management
Maintain radical transparency throughout the project. Regular updates, transparent communication channels, and shared project management tools contribute to a seamless flow of information between the in-house team and the software development partner. This not only builds trust but also ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Step 6 – Continuous Learning and Innovation
Encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Leverage the expertise of the software development partner to introduce cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. This not only enhances the quality of the final product but also empowers the in-house team with valuable insights and skills.
Step 7 – Budget Management and Deadline Adherence
Collaborate with the software development partner to establish a realistic budget and timelines. Transparent financial discussions and a clear understanding of project scope are essential. Regularly review progress against milestones to ensure that deadlines are met without compromising on quality.
Takeaways
So, in the ever-evolving realm of technology, a partnership with IT Labs emerges as the linchpin for some technology leaders aiming to stay ahead of the competition. IT Labs unwavering commitment to expertise across diverse technologies, agile development methodologies, and a relentless focus on customisation and scalability positions software development providers like IT Labs as not just a service provider, but a strategic ally.
By emphasising security, ensuring time-efficient development, fostering a culture of continuous innovation, and nurturing collaborative partnerships, IT Labs not only builds applications but also constructs a pathway to sustained success.
In choosing IT Labs, technology leaders not only invest in cutting-edge solutions but also embrace a dynamic and future-ready approach that propels their businesses ahead of the curve.
Author
John Abadom – General Manager at IT Labs LTD
Meltano DataOps Tool for ELT Pipelines
Data is everywhere, but how do we manage it? Working with data and managing it can be a challenging task, and selecting the right data process can be complicated. That’s where Meltano comes in- a powerful open-source ELT framework that can simplify the data-building process.
This open-source ELT framework simplifies the process of building data integration and analytics pipelines. It offers flexibility, extensibility, and a range of features to efficiently extract, load, and transform data from various sources into a target data warehouse. Because of its flexibility, Meltano enables customization and extension of the framework’s capabilities to suit one’s unique needs. In today’s world, overwhelmed with information, data is king- and it’s essential to select the right tools to manage it effectively.
Curious about how to manage data with Meltano? Our latest Re: Imagine Session was held on 31.05.2023 and covered the topic of data and data processing, at which Oliver Tanevski, a Data Engineer from Data Masters, dived deep into the subject of data with focus on Meltano.
Leave behind the overwhelming world of data management and transform your data processing!
Topics covered:
- World of data
- ETL vs. ELT
- Meltano- a framework for simplifying the data-building process
Get ready to elevate your cloud management game!
ReImagine Session - Martin Dimovski Topic Azure Arc, The Future Cloud
Did you know that the future of cloud management is here? Do you know the benefits of using Azure Arc and how it can manage your environment seamlessly?
In today’s rapidly evolving, ever-changing world, businesses are struggling with the challenge of managing complex environments that span across data centers. Azure Arc serves as a bridge that expands Microsoft’s Azure platform’s capabilities, empowering you to build applications and services that can operate across multiple clouds, at the edge and data centers.
With Azure Arc, you can effortlessly organize, control, and secure Windows and Linux servers, SQL Server, and Kubernetes clusters. Curious about how you can leverage Azure Arc to drive your business into the future? Our latest Re: Imagine Session that was held on 23.03.2023 covered this topic, at which Martin Dimovski (DevOps Engineer with 15+ years of experience) answered these questions and many more about the entire scenario of managing on-premises environments using Azure Arc.
Topics covered:
- Azure Arc Overview
- Managing your environment together
- Azure Resource Manager
Get ready to elevate your cloud management game!
Scaling Engineering Organizations for Success with Gjorgji Gjeorgjievski
We all know that tech makes the world go round, and that good ideas and tech are financed like there’s no tomorrow – but what happens after? How do they keep growing? In this Re:Imagine session, we had Gjorgji Gjeorgjievski – Director of Engineering of Snowflake – the company that in 2020 had the biggest software IPO ever! The massive growth was fueled by the enormous in novation done by Snowflake’s ever-expanding engineering team. It grew by 50-60% per year, an unprecedented growth for a software company of that magnitude.
On the Re:Imagine Session held on Gjorgji talked about the journey of scaling a small engineering team into a large organization, and all the challenges and fun parts that come with it – including his advice worth it’s weight in gold for all aspiring tech leaders!
Watch the video below for the full session!
Social Housing Technology Benefits
Articles
John Abadom
General Manager at IT Labs LTD
Housing Associations and Technology: Why the Two are a Good Pair
Housing associations and local authorities have a crucial role in ensuring that people have access to affordable and secure housing. They must balance the need to provide quality housing with the need to operate efficiently and effectively. Technology can be a powerful tool for improving business processes, reducing costs, and enhancing the services that housing associations provide to their tenants. In this article, we will explore how housing associations can improve business processes through technology.
Digital Communication and Collaboration
One of the most significant ways technology can improve business processes is by enabling better communication and collaboration. Housing associations can use technology to create a digital platform where tenants can report issues, request repairs, and communicate with the association. This is especially important as the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) stated in September 2022 that registered social housing providers must collect and share information on repairs, safety checks, and complaints with residents. By having a digital platform, associations can streamline communication, reduce response times, and track progress. It will reduce the need for face-to-face interactions, saving time and resources, an. An example is Plus Dane Housing launching its new customer portal this month.
Cloud-based Systems
Cloud-based systems can be used to manage housing association data, allowing for efficient data sharing and storage. A good example was Clarion Housing Group’s digital transformation accelerated by Hitachi Solutions a few years ago. By using cloud-based systems, housing associations can access information from anywhere at any time, making it easier to manage and share information across different departments. This can help improve decision-making, reduce response times, and improve overall efficiency.
Automated Systems
Automated systems can be used to streamline repetitive tasks and reduce human error. For example, housing associations can use automated systems to manage rent collection and track maintenance schedules and repair requests. This can reduce the time and resources required for administrative tasks, freeing up staff to focus on more complex tasks. Poplar HARCA is an excellent example of a housing association that successfully automated its accounts payable process.
Data Analytics
Data analytics can be used to provide housing associations with valuable insights into tenant needs and preferences. By analysing data on tenant preferences, housing associations can make informed decisions about the services they offer and the types of housing they provide. This can help improve tenant satisfaction and reduce tenant turnover. Back in 2014, Gary Hind, Head of IT at Bernicia Group, led his housing association into introducing a new housing management business intelligence solution that enabled them to monitor performance and risk better plus respond to other matters more speedily.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps can be used to improve communication and provide tenants with access to services. Housing associations can develop mobile apps that allow tenants to request repairs, report issues, and access information about their tenancy. This can help improve tenant satisfaction and reduce response times. Stirling Council rolled out and installed 50,000 sensors into 6,000 properties. Data from the sensors is fed into a mobile app called HomeLINK which immediately alerts residents of any issues in their property i.e., if the temperature is too hot, cold, or humid.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to provide housing associations with real-time data on tenant needs and preferences. IoT devices, such as sensors and smart meters, can monitor energy usage, water consumption, and other aspects of daily life in housing units. This can help housing associations identify and address issues proactively, reducing the need for reactive maintenance. Back in November 2022 Onward Homes, Places for People, Raving Housing Trust, RHP Group, and Thorngate Churcher Trust were all finalists at the Inside Housing Innovation Week Award which recognises a social housing organisation that uses technology and the Internet of Things to improve lives, solve problems and deliver real genuine benefits to communities.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality can be used to provide tenants with virtual tours of housing units, allowing them to explore properties before deciding to rent or buy. This can help housing associations save time and resources by reducing the need for in-person viewings. Virtual reality can also be used to train staff, allowing them to practice different scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. Kingdom Housing was one of the first housing associations to use virtual reality – you can read more here: https://www.kingdomhousing.org.uk/blog/kingdom-uses-augmented-reality-technology/ which features Gary Haldane, Interim Digital Director at Kingdom Housing Association.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology can be used to provide secure and transparent record-keeping for housing associations. By using blockchain, housing associations can ensure that all transactions are recorded and can be audited. This can help improve transparency and reduce the risk of fraud. Together Housing Association partnered with UrbanChain to reduce households’ carbon footprints and energy bills. The pioneering scheme enabled UrbanChain to onboard 500 Together Housing Association homes into its P2P exchange, enabling buyers and sellers of green energy to transact in a secure and safe environment with complete transparency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to automate tasks and provide housing associations with valuable insights. For example, AI can analyse tenant data, identify patterns, and provide recommendations for improving services. AI can also be used to develop chatbots that can assist tenants with routine tasks, such as reporting issues or requesting information. Peabody, London Borough of Camden, Community Housing, and Cobalt use machine learning to help maximize rent collection, identify tenants needing support, and transform productivity. This enables social landlords to manage rent arrears more efficiently.
To Sum Up
It is essential to recognize that technology in the social housing space enables better digital communication and collaboration and creates environments for better data sharing and process automation, especially for residents and staff. Mobile Apps and IoT provide greater visibility to residents, and social housing landlords, in having real-time asset data access to better manage property dampness and mould, disrepair, energy bills, well-being, and much more. Virtual reality, Metaverse, mixed reality, and virtual world technologies offer a greater variation on how social housing landlords can expand their use of internet technology to provide residents and staff with environments where they can interact with computer-generated content and other users. Microsoft’s vision of the Metaverse can be explored in these two concise videos:
- https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/1455624165201887234
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd2GK0qDtRg
AI enables social housing landlords to get closer to tenants by offering services and understanding behaviours, demographics, and needs. Also, using automation can be beneficial for analysing customer feedback, as Flagship Housing introduced this approach across its operation. But all this hinges on having accurate data as a foundation for AI or predictive analytics projects.
Blockchain can drive affordable housing by enabling social housing interactions and transactions through trusted intermediaries to be automated through technology. Blockchain can enable easier property search, improve pre-purchase due diligence, reduce the needs for intermediaries, provide smart property contracts, offer safe property transactions, reduce entrance into home ownership and turn social housing stock into a liquid asset.
Technology can provide housing associations with tools to improve business processes, reduce costs, and enhance services. By embracing technology, housing associations can become more efficient, effective, and responsive to tenant needs.
Author
John Abadom – General Manager at IT Labs LTD