Digital transformation offers technology divisions the opportunity to create value by leading change for the enterprise. To do this effectively IT must work collaboratively with business leaders to identify and prioritise technology needs and ensure that potential benefits of technology-investments are realised. In fact, “strengthen IT and business collaboration” has consistently featured as a top priority for CEOs in recent years (cio.com).

Where Business-IT collaboration is taken for granted or inadequate effort is made to understand and improve it, organisations run the risk of failing to leverage the potential of both its people and technology capabilities.

On the other hand, when Business-IT partnerships are nurtured intentionally it facilitates a culture of trust, innovation, agility and shared ownership across the organization.

CIOs can reposition IT from its traditional role of service provider to that of a proactive, strategic partner by building their team’s business relationship management (BRM) capability.  A mature BRM capability is brought to life by key people with the remit and skills to break down silos and create a collaborative culture that assumes shared responsibility for creating value.

These business relationship managers serve as the bridge between business and IT by surfacing demand from multiple vantage points, aggregating opportunities across the enterprise and facilitating timely prioritisation. They educate business executives on IT capabilities They also collaborate with experts across the plan-build-test-deploy functions to create and sustain solutions and services that enable meaningful business outcomes. In doing this they elevate the role and perception of IT within the organisation and help to create the cultural environment that underpins digital transformation.  Little wonder that BRMs are viewed as “the CIO’s new change agent” (cio.com) .

ITSM Hub’s Business Relationship Management certifications and coaching programs cover the knowledge, skills and techniques required by IT professionals at all levels of experience. Participants are introduced to mindset shifts that empower them to step up into their leadership role, as well as how to apply their learning to deliver immediate, tangible results. By bridging the gap between theory and application, participants are set up to make a real, and lasting, difference to their organisation.  

We live in a world of relentless change. Maintaining the status quo in relationships and hoping for the best is not a strategy. Progressive organisations invest in capabilities that help them to play the long game by continuously stimulating and shaping strategic opportunities for improvement. A BRM capability is just that.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.  

Sign up to the Government News newsletter