Most IT Leaders Don’t Have a Strategy. They Have a List.
Cloud migrations and AI initiatives aren't strategies. Discover the true meaning of strategy and why IT leaders often miss the mark.
Many IT leaders believe they have a strategy, but often they have merely a list of tasks. Real strategy involves focused choices about where to compete and how to win. Understanding this difference is crucial for IT leaders aiming to make a genuine impact.
Why Most IT Leaders Get Strategy Wrong
IT leaders frequently equate strategy with technology roadmaps or vision statements. However, true strategy is about making deliberate choices, as outlined by Roger Martin: Where will we play? and How will we win?
Consider the difference between stating "We will be more efficient" versus "We will compete on affordability and scale by adopting a self-service model." The former is an aspiration, the latter a strategy.
Understanding Strategy at Different Levels
Strategy operates at three levels: corporate, business, and functional. Corporate strategy determines overall direction, business strategy defines competition within markets, and functional strategy, such as IT, supports these goals.
IT must align with business strategy rather than pursuing its own agenda. This alignment is critical for creating value and achieving organizational goals.
What IT Strategy Actually Means
An effective IT strategy is not about technology choices but about enabling business outcomes. For example, instead of simply replatforming a system, frame it as "Enabling faster product launches by modernizing our platform." This reframe ensures that technology initiatives are aligned with business goals.
Strategy Without Trade-Offs Is Just a Wish List
The challenge in strategy is not generating good ideas but rather making tough choices. A strategy that tries to do everything ends up doing nothing effectively. A successful strategy document should clarify not only what to pursue but also what to avoid.
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Read ArticleAsk yourself: does your IT strategy specify what you will not do? If not, it might be just a roadmap in disguise.
Key Takeaways
- Strategy is about choices, not tasks. IT leaders need to focus on business outcomes rather than technology preferences.
- Align IT with business strategy. Effective IT strategies support and enable broader business objectives.
- Embrace trade-offs. A real strategy involves deciding what to focus on and what to exclude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a strategy and a roadmap?
A strategy involves making deliberate choices about where to compete and how to win. A roadmap is a plan or timeline for executing tasks.
How can IT leaders ensure their strategy aligns with business goals?
IT leaders can align with business goals by focusing on outcomes that support business strategies and avoiding independent technology agendas.
Why is it important for a strategy to include trade-offs?
Including trade-offs ensures that resources are focused on the most critical areas, preventing the dilution of efforts across too many initiatives.
Can technology choices be part of a strategy?
Yes, but only when they are framed as enablers of business outcomes, not as standalone tasks.
If this resonated — or if you violently disagreed — I'd like to hear from you. I work with a small number of founding teams each quarter. If you're building something real, book a discovery call or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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