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By David Taylor, 26 September 2001 10:00

COMMENT How should the ideal IT department be run? In the world of IT, there is little doubt that a positive attitude, disposition, and perhaps even a smile, will help a great deal. However, they are not enough, and most certainly do not constitute cultural transformation! When we decide to address such issues as morale, culture and feelings in our teams, we take on a big challenge, but it is worth it, because the personal, team and performance rewards are absolutely huge. Such transformation is the antidote to negativity, and it will dramatically increasing staff loyalty, motivation and retention. It is widely referred to as cultural transformation. Of course, the term in itself is loose, and it means different things to different people and what works in one company may not in another. It is important to set your own transformational agenda, and to focus on the issues and needs in your environment.
A good starting point is to revive, review and restate your organisational objectives. Ensure they become a set of deeply held beliefs that guide you towards meeting your aims while trusting and respecting each other. Involve everyone in deciding a code of ethics and values for the future. This will help secure ownership and commitment across the whole team. Be consistent - if, as their leader, you once stray from these values, you risk losing your followers. Values such as openness, trust and loyalty are usually high on the list of companies who have started on this exciting path. One I worked with recently even included fun, and why not? In many IT departments people seem to be actively encouraged to leave their personalities - and sense of self - at home in the morning. Combine this with a widespread and sincere effort to encourage and develop people through coaching and support. This will promote involvement, real empowerment and personal growth by strengthening people's inner belief systems and self-confidence. These are some ways of starting towards the aims of cultural transformation, to create a community of purpose where people enjoy work, where they utilise their talents to best effect because they want to, and where they are recognised and rewarded for the contributions they make. Cultural transformation addresses the very heart and soul of a team, department or organisation. It is a prerequisite to success in the new global economy, where our people are our only unique currency. When successful, the rewards - personal, team and corporate - are enormous. It can, however, be a dangerous path. Such action, although most people and companies know it is the right thing to do, is still very rare. It calls for thinking way beyond the old management competencies of planning, organising and control. It calls for visionary thinking, persistent resolve and a laser focus on success. Above all else, it calls on you becoming a true leader. How IT performs and is perceived in your organisation depends more on the identity, attitudes and behaviour of your people than on any other single factor. It is time to liberate their aspirations, their potential, and to ignite the human spirit. The big question is, are you ready to step forward and make that difference? The choice is yours entirely, as are any excuses.