The Challenges of Business IT Alignment

Business IT Alignment is a necessity in today economy. With the speed of technology deployment and Agile approach, features can now be deployed daily. Often, business are frustrated by IT over lack of innovation. On the other hand, IT are annoyed over the changing requirements. This is a quick summary of these challenges I encountered over the years.

1. Timing is key. Consistent alignment is recommended.
2. Manage stakeholders expectation, not user expectations.
3. What you want is not what you need. Wants and needs is a constant battle for alignment.
4. Business or IT Sign off is not alignment. You will need communication more than a sign off.
5. Remember to build for unarticulated needs. What you cannot see is could be the key to alignment. Dig further.
6. Speak a common language. Carrier, trucker and vendor may mean the same thing.
7. Giving in to business or IT does not mean you are aligned. Alignment means a common understanding.
8. Learn to design your solution for alignment and adapt for change.
9. Always include political factor as part of alignment process.
10. If you cannot be aligned, it means that neither Business or IT is ready. Do not come to alignment for the sake of alignment. It is common not to be aligned.