Recently, we had the opportunity to provide IT support to a great organization. They had a strong membership, good leadership, and a solid financial background – everything that makes for a great client.
The only problem? Some of their most important executives were resistant to change, especially with technology.
To a certain degree, this isn’t that uncommon. At the risk of over-generalizing, we sometimes come across men and women who have risen to leadership positions over the years, and have a preference for doing things a certain way. More often than not, these folks are in their 50s and 60s, and tend to feel (understandably) that they have “seen it all” in their field or industry.
Because they have already met with a certain amount of success in their businesses and/or careers, they often see no good reason to start doing things the new way. In fact, the more their technology team, or younger, less-seasoned employees, begs them to consider some new technology and practices, the more they fight it.
If you have found yourself in this situation, or work in an environment where technological change isn’t coming as quickly as it might, then recognize that the issue almost always comes down to one important question: Are you fighting change… or inviting opportunity?
Certainly, there are times when it makes sense to hold off on shifting things around. After all, technology and communications are shifting all the time, and spending on the latest and greatest technology today can easily mean having to upgrade again tomorrow. But on the other hand, holding on too long to inefficient ways of doing things isn’t just being stubborn – it’s putting you at a competitive disadvantage.
If there is a way for your business organization to reach more customers or members online, communicate more efficiently, lower your organizational costs, or otherwise make a quantum leap forward in terms of your profitability, then you should jump at the chance. How do you know the difference between these opportunities and the ones that aren’t worth the time, money, and effort? That’s easy: You hire an IT support team that you trust.
The biggest reason to get help with your company’s technology isn’t to have someone “fix your problems,” it’s to have a partner who understands technology, as well as your company’s goals, and can put the two together in the right mixture.
Fighting off change for the sake of keeping the status quo is never good business. Find a technology partner who can gently persuade you to move forward when you need it most.
