IT Resource Center The Changing IT Landscape

Be prepared to Objectively Evaluate and Communicate Your Productivity

January 18, 2002

IT professionals must be prepared to monitor their own productivity in an objective, concrete manner. Be prepared to openly communicate the efficiencies you bring to the table. In this environment, where companies are bringing down costs, one of the first places looked at is cutting people who are not in the direct revenue producing stream. These are people employed outside the enterprise's core competencies in the so called support arenas. IT projects which lead to efficiencies in business processes will increase corporate productivity and not be one of those "support arenas" being cut. Search for the connection between your project and the cost savings initiatives of the enterprise. If no connection can be found, focus your efforts on finding a project where you can become involved with one that is.

In our article, "Strength in the IT Sector Bucks Overall Market Trends", published on Nov 30, 2001 we stated that "Optimization Solutions" are in. In these times, try to measure your own productivity in terms optimization resulting in improved tangible business results, which can be recognized no more than 2 quarters out. Companies are looking for a positive impact for business outcomes resulting from the IT Technical Solution you are involved in. Be prepared to demonstrate a keen understanding of such. IT professionals will serve themselves well by making those involved in your career aware that you are fully cognizant of and support the high visibility cost-conscious endeavors of your company.

There are also great opportunities for the IT professional to position themselves well by finding those IT optimization "cost efficiencies" to present to your management. Hardware and software tool bargains abound. You can be the one to take the initiative to find these cost efficient approaches, and make an immediate bottom line contribution.

Bottom Line: Strive to put yourself in the camp with those employees who recognize, support and contribute to your company's critical cost cutting initiatives. If there is a cut the probability is it won't be you.