Communicating the value of IT
Today’s executives recognise the crucial role that IT plays in the success of any organization. But without effective communications planning, the IT department risks missing opportunities to inform people of their true value and may even contribute to misunderstandings and negative perceptions of the IT function. 
The BCS’s Isle of Man section is running a session to help IT departments effectively communicate their value across the organisation. The idea is to help IT managers ensure they are recognised as problem solvers.
This interactive discussion takes place on Wednesday 22nd November at Hilton Hotel, Douglas. Meet at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. The speaker is some PR bird named Sherrilynne Starkie. I hear she’s good.
Filed under: public relations
Subscribe to our feed
Subscribe by Email
and I quote:
“…help IT departments effectively communicate…”
The communications gap between IT and the rest of the social/business/human universe is legendary. I suspect (as you imply) that it’s up to IT to bridge the gap by first coming to terms with the fact that 99% of Humanity hasn’t the slightest idea what we’re talking about once we get past “Hello”.
More to the point, by coming to terms, I mean that communication must be recognized as a bridge. IT needs to learn:
1-The fine art of clearly explaining in plain English.
2-Not to be arrogant just because everyone’s not a geek, and communicate accordingly.
3-Appreciate (truly!) the simple and obvious fact that in any organizational setting, IT is first and foremost a service unit–not a contingent of technologically advanced aliens from a distant star system, on a mission to bring enlightenment to a backward species.
I jest, but not for nothing do IT folks, in the privacy of the server room, routinely designate practically everyone outside of IT as “ID10T’s”
(”eye-dee-ten-tee’s”)
In summary, humility (just a tad!) and effective communication are not mutually exclusive concepts.
Does this mean we’ll be seeing you on the 22nd Arlan?