What execs say about tech and what they mean...

Lets play a little game of interpret exec speak. Below is a possible (not actual) quote from an exec.

"Technology isnt in our strategic plan, it isnt our mission after all to have technology. But technology is implied or needed in many areas, just not listed."

In my random head this means... We only use technology because we have to. It has no real value beyond a simple tool to meet our needs. Technology is a necessary evil.

"IT reports to the CFO because of the direct tie to tracking finances, they have the most need\experience and because of budget demands."

In my random head this means... IT is a cost center that has to be managed carefully or it will bleed us dry. They have no place at the leadership table or meddling in how we work, they just track the money and stuff.

"Of course technology is important to our organization, we use it everyday. Thats why I put so and so in charge of IT."

In my random head this means... That IT team better keep my toys running, I cant live without my blackberry. Technology is important, but I better not have to spend time thinking about it or planning for it. IT is someone else's problem to manage, I just expect it to work when I need it.

"My staff shouldn't spend so much time at their computers, they have work to do."

In my random head this means... All this technology really wastes our time and just makes our work harder. Cant we just hire someone to do that extra work?

OK, now that I have started to make some people a little mad, laugh or happy, I will give my caveats. This is not true of all execs, nor it is a direct implication to the execs that I work for. I have just heard thoughts similar to these and had to chuckle. I may sound a bit cynical about leadership, sorry about that. This is by no means true of all leadership\execs, many have really great visions and strategy for technology. I have a great respect for anyone willing to take on the role of CEO, there is so much to do, consider and manage. It is not a job that I would stand up and take. I just wish more of them would open up to the help that IT can offer beyond keeping the stuff working.

I now I usually on post on Mondays, but just couldnt wait to get this one out there.