let a thousand tech flowers bloom

Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission

MISSION FIRST

Technology is Not a Paper Clip

Technology is Not a Paper Clip

Technology is Part of Your Mission

Technology at Save the Children

IT Alignment

Stages of IT Alignment

Chaotic Reactive Proactive Service Value

How closely is technology tied to mission?

Information systems, if any, are used only for routine business processes.

Information systems exist, but are only used for routine business processes and automating tasks.

Some technology is tied with mission, but-day to day issues often overshadow these goals.

Technology assets are seen as a mix of investments and expenses, with some elements tied to mission objectives.

Information systems, if any, are used only for routine business processes.

DON’T SPEND, INVEST

What Do You SPEND on?

What do You INVEST in? Your Program Your People Your MISSION Technology is a Part of That

Investments Require Measurement

The OLD Return on Investment(Dollars Saved) - (Dollars Invested) = Return on

Investment Positive numbers good Negative numbers bad

$ Value of Time

Saved

- = ROICost of Laptop

$800 / yr over 3 years - $1800 + contracts and service =

The Math is Messy NowIntangible benefits:

Job satisfaction Productivity Morale Teamwork Client satisfaction Client response time Client satisfaction

GROW GARDENERS

Grow Gardeners

Define Your NeedWhat are your tech needs?How should you staff them?

How much time will these tasks take? Is it constant work, or cyclical? Development, maintenance, or user

support and training? Does the tech work even live in the

“tech department?”

It’s the Person AND the SkillsCultural fit is as

important in the nonprofit setting as skills fit

What non-tech skills are needed in the role?

Technology is Scary

Fear Leads To….

Good Tech Leaders…Get ahead of the changeCreate contextCommunicate early and often

Listen, don’t just talk!

Involve and empower staffMitigate anxiety

Good Tech Leaders Grow Gardeners

Remember

It’s not About the Technology

MISSION FIRSTDON’T SPEND, INVESTGROW GARDENERS