We Need to Re-think the IT Function

written by Bob Liley

In my judgment, our thinking around the nature and structure of the IT function in most organizations is woefully out-of-date and we need to radically revise this if the function is going to survive the next ten years. What leads me to this conclusion? Information technologies and related tools are now ubiquitous and are increasingly imbedded in goods that, only a few years ago, would have been unimaginable (the ‘Internet of things’). Information is now a commodity in the hands of consumers (smart phones). Social networking media have redefined the landscape for inter-personal and even business interactions. Developments in mobile information tools and technologies are changing the fundamental nature of many business operations. The ability to ‘print’ three-dimensional objects could revolutionize some industries. Data and data sources are exploding, overwhelming the ability of many organizations to cope. And changes in the information environment continue to come at us at Warp speed. In fact, the pace of change is accelerating, if that’s at all possible, and I believe that is because (as the first George Bush stated some years ago now) there are now thousands more ‘points of light’ that are driving this change. But, before we explore this further, it might be useful to briefly examine where we have been with IT. Continue reading

BPO Insurance Practice Head – US

 

Qualifications: Significant experience required; must have a proven track record of running a large scale BPO portfolio in insurance with P&L responsibilities. Background must include demonstrated ability to manage sales, grow revenue, and build a business practice.  Prior experience must include operational responsibility for and understanding of personal lines BPO product offerings, with a focus on life and annuity products. Continue reading

Act Like a Leader Before You Are One

Amy Galloby Amy Gallo

If you want to become a leader, don’t wait for the fancy title or the corner office. You can begin to act, think, and communicate like a leader long before that promotion. Even if you’re still several levels down and someone else is calling all the shots, there are numerous ways to demonstrate your potential and carve your path to the role you want.

What the Experts Say “It’s never foolish to begin preparing for a transition no matter how many years away it is or where you are in your career,” says Muriel Maignan Wilkins, coauthor of Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence. Michael Watkins, the chairman of Genesis Advisers and author of The First 90 Days and Your Next Move, agrees. Not only does the planning help you develop the necessary skills and leadership presence, it also increases your chances of getting the promotion because people will already recognize you as a leader. The key is to take on opportunities now, regardless of your tenure or role. “You can demonstrate leadership at any time no matter what your title is,” says Amy Jen Su, coauthor of Own the Room. Here are several ways to start laying the groundwork. Continue reading

8 Ways to Undermine Yourself as a Leader

Josh Linknerwritten by Josh Linker

As entrepreneurs, we spend a lot of time honing our leadership style and working tirelessly to ensure our teams are motivated to work with us. There are countless resources to improve on various attributes you utilize both in and out of the office, but there’s less information readily available on pitfalls to avoid. You might think you’re doing a good job, but here’s a list of how you might be undermining yourself. Continue reading

How Criticizing in Private Undermines Your Team

by Roger Schwarz

You are holding your weekly team leadership meeting. You are discussing with your direct reports how to handle the project delays that have caused the team to miss its quarterly numbers. You know that Ted — one of your direct reports — contributed to missing the numbers by missing two key deadlines. You’ve seen this kind of behavior before from Ted, and you’ve seen the team’s frustration with Ted. You decide to not say anything to Ted in the meeting, but afterward you privately tell him that how he’s letting you and the team down. Continue reading