Disrupt your organisation before someone else does - advises BCS

5 Jun 2015 03:13 PM

Not disrupting your own organisation will seriously undermine your business in the future warns BCS The Chartered Institute for IT.

Speaking at ‘The Leaders for Change’ briefing, Adam Thilthorpe, Director of Professionalism, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “Disruptive technology has transformed the way organisations operate. It allows disruptive business models, such as personalisation on an industrial scale that previously weren't possible. It is this impact which allows tech to change markets and will continue to do so - quite possibly at an accelerated rate in the future. Organisations that fail to transform will be left behind by their competitors.”

The briefing, hosted by BCS, saw industry experts discuss the impact of change and why it is vital to business growth and success. Speakers included Tania Howarth, COO, Iglo Foods Group who talked about how she has driven change in global enterprises - and Digital Strategist, Ade McCormack - who discussed the changing nature of work and the importance of innovation.

The panel also considered what digital leaders need to do to drive change within business, the importance of innovation, skill gaps that might emerge, strategies to counter these, business analysis and agile ways of working.

Adam continues: “Change is a constant in the modern, digitally enabled business. The risks and opportunities posed by the arrival of new technology need to be planned for well in advance if an organisation is to survive and flourish. Executives responsible for running technology have no choice: they must embrace change.

“It is crucial that business leaders find ways to continually change their businesses for the better. With IT transformation at the very top of the business agenda, the demand for innovation will create pressures for individual professional development, and development in relation to broader organisational objectives. Digital leaders need to identify any potential skills gaps that could affect the success of IT teams delivering business transformation. ”

To embrace change and manage it successfully organisations need to have the right infrastructure in place, regularly update their organisational strategies, keep pace with technology, and keep looking ahead with a view to using new technology to improve performance. In addition, organisations must also consider how new technology will impact on the existing workforce and ensure employees are equipped with the relevant skill sets required to operate within new markets.

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