We’ve been discussing the development of a technology strategy. A crucial step in this process is for the tech executive to conduct a tech strategy interview with other leaders, gathering their insights to ensure everyone feels included and has contributed to the strategy.
A strategy without consensus typically falls apart.
Some of the questions that you’ll want to include in the interviews are:
General Questions
- Can you provide a snapshot overview of your group, i.e., size, business focus areas?
- What are your organizations priorities/ the strategic objectives?
- Is your group a strong consumer of technology?
- If yes, what applications do you use on a regular basis? Are there external applications that you use?
Tech Strategy Environment Questions
- Today, do you feel that technology is supporting your business strategy?
- If not, what do you see are the current issues?
- What would you like to see for future technology initiatives?
- Are there areas where you feel automation could help reduce cost or increase productivity?
- What do you consider the highest value systems today? Which have the highest risk – client, regulatory or brand issues?
- Do you know who to communicate with for IT issues? Who is your contact?
- In your area, are there regulatory and legal other legal obligations that IT must be aware of? How are these obligations communicated?
- Do you feel that there is a good level of customer satisfaction related to IT and IT systems?
IT Operations Management
- Do you feel the IT systems that you use are stable and perform well?
- Do you feel that the IT systems you use are high quality? What can be improved?
IT Innovation Management
- Is there confidence within the business towards IT and the services provided?
- Do you feel IT today provides a process and mechanism to improve or transform the business? Do you feel it could in the future?
- Is IT today viewed as a “Business Partner”? What is the perception of the IT team?
- Do you feel IT is supporting/ understands new and strategic business opportunities? How are business opportunities communicated to IT?
Tech Strategy Closing Questions
- This project is critical to helping build a solid and integrated set of initiatives for supporting business growth. What areas do you feel need attention or could really add value, from your perspective?
- Anyone else who you feel we should contact to discuss IT systems and/or strategy?
- Do you have any additional thoughts? May we contact you again if we need to follow-up details?
The tech strategy interview is an important step in the strategy build process. Use this interview framework as a starting point. The best interview is freeform, comfortable, and covers the mentioned key areas. As an executive, asking strong questions for a deeper technology needs assessment is critical. Share findings with interviewees after completing the process. Ensuring understanding and agreement is important for strategy success.
Click here for a post on how to align your tech strategy with the business.
