| | AUGUST 202419CIOReviewterms like time to market, inventory turn, net profit, and gross profit. That doesn't even touch the acronym war - EBIDTA vs. DDOS, ROI vs. ADAC/ADUC, and I could go on and on. But that's not the worst.The worst part is the differing perspectives and blind spots. Techies hold themselves aloof and apart from the business as if the same company didn't pay them all. Business people consider techies a cost that is a needed evil, not an asset to help the company excel. The us vs. them friction wastes time, energy, and resources better spent on something that generates profit.Business leaders that get the similarities and celebrate the differences are the strong leaders that make both sides feel heard and valued.It sounds terrific on paper, but how do we do this? No single answer fits all organizations. There is no step-by-step process that will unite the organization and have everyone join arms and sing together. If you find one, please let me know.While a large part of that ideal is philosophical, there are some practical things we can do along the lines of cutting vs. building. Most of these things start with questioning, "Why?"`This process takes six hours to complete.' Why? Or `We spend 20 percent of our IT budget on network connections.' Why?The answers usually are along the lines of `We've always done it that way' or something about a decision made long ago by someone who is no longer working here.Ok, so it made sense then. Does it make sense now? That's how you find waste. Find a faster, cleaner, cheaper way to achieve the same goal.Outsourcing is a dirty word in some circles, and yes, it usually means people lose jobs. That part is sad at first glance. On the other hand, maybe the displaced were stuck in a rut and could not grow in that position. Forcing them from the nest may be the best tough love you can give them.From the business standpoint, you can free up your best people from doing menial things. Now they have time to do something that helps the company innovate and move ahead. If a process or thing does not differentiate you from the competition, pay someone else to do it.Let's sum it up:· Cut waste but don't cut into lean meat. · Outsource when it makes sense. · Always ask, "Why"? Business leaders that get the similarities and celebrate the differences are the strong leaders that make both sides feel heard and valued
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