By Naked CIO, 8 December 2008 09:00
COMMENT
If CIOs had a Santa Claus, what would they ask for this Christmas? The Naked CIO is making a list and checking it twice.
The following is a list that I intend to send to the North Pole in the hope that Mr Claus and his reindeer stop by on Christmas Eve, jump through my corporate chimney and leave me the gifts I need to run my business effectively.
I won't even contemplate if I have been naughty or nice. I just hope I am still on Santa's good side.
Dear Santa,
1. I hope the budget I have presented will get approved and I can start the New Year off running and get some things done - as opposed to the normal wait until the end of the first quarter before the budget gets cut then rubber stamped.
2. I ask that I will be able to retain my headcount at current levels and hopefully get approval for the additional heads we need to service the business.
3. I would like good, well-intentioned, loyal and competent new hires who will be excited about the opportunity to work for a progressive department and company. Is it too much to ask to be inspired by those that work around me?
4. I hope Santa brings my CEO good cheer and the sensibility to realise the power of technology when implemented well. In doing so perhaps the understanding of our function and the executive support that is essential in meeting our goals will be achieved - and we can do some fabulous things in 2009 with the full support of the executive team. While over the last year I have pleaded our case as effectively as possible, it sometimes becomes exhausting always having to justify why IT has value and once, just once, I am hoping they get it.
5. I hope Santa can make long-range strategy trump short-term tactics this year - and that as such long-term investment will win out over short-term cost-cutting.
6. I hope that Santa visits Her Majesty's government and persuades it that too much compliance and regulation impacts IT operations in a negative way - and that perhaps instead of slapping ridiculous, neophyte compliance processes on business, the spirit of sharing and giving could allow them to work with instead of against businesses.
7. On a personal note I hope that the one wish in this world I want more than anything will come true - and I will become the luckiest person in the world.
It is somewhat sad that I have had to look towards a mythical source to fulfil my wishes but unfortunately all other practical sources have dried up and I have no other options at this point.
The reality of our IT world today is that without Santa, what can we believe in to ensure the growth and potential of our vocation? Perhaps belief is one thing we all need more of.
Comments
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1. Simon Allen
Yes, it is sad that you have to look to Santa and I admire your optimism ...
For a short while in the late 80s, it looked as if IT was going to be treated properly and be allowed to sit up with the big boys. But the big boys decided to keep the table and it's goodies for the things they understood, like PR and all of that.
IT is certainly seen as the way to 'deal' with regulatory demands as they think that you can make the system do anything to produce the data and reports.
Yet, when the time comes to explain why it will cost more money to make a system do what it was not originally designed to do ... ears are closed.
2. Drew Stephenson
yep, it'll take a santa-like figure to make that happen round here as well. good luck with that