let a thousand tech flowers bloom
DESCRIPTION
For many leaders, technology is among the scariest aspects of nonprofit management. Technology changes frequently, most leaders don’t have formal technology training, and when mistakes are made, they can be expensive. But managing technology well can also lead to some of the greatest gains in productivity and effectiveness. The same skills that lead to a successful nonprofit career are the very same skills that will help you manage technology well in your organization. In this session, we’ll ask you to change how you think about technology and challenge you to let technology run wild in your organizations, so that a thousand flowers can bloom.TRANSCRIPT
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