IT Organization Circa 2017

I am passionate about the profession of management consulting – and not ashamed to say so.  I’m especially passionate about business-IT maturity, and how IT organizations transform themselves to bring the highest possible value to the businesses and communities they serve.

I’m also passionate about music – both as a listener, and as an amateur performer.  As a listener, my tastes are broad – I grew up in a house where the music of Tchaikovsky, Bach and Beethoven were a constant source of inspiration and enrichment.  My teenage years in London in the early 60′s meant that The Who, Rolling Stones, et al were the bands that I danced to in local clubs and pubs.  My university years introduced me to the richer and more complex music of Classical and Psychedelic Rock (Yes and Pink Floyd and other titans played at our Students Union gigs).  As an amateur performer, my preferred genre has been Rock ‘n Roll and Blues – it’s easier for mere mortals to get involved in a performance of a Guns ‘n Roses or AC/DC song than it is with Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, or a Yes magnum opus such as Close to the Edge!

So, what’s this got to do with leadership and IT Circa 2017?  Through my opportunities to participate in several Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camps, I’ve noticed that most professional musicians are multi-talented – they’re not the “one trick ponies” you might imagine them to be.  I believe the IT professional who thrives in 2017 will be similarly multi-talented – technologist, business process engineer, modeler, communicator, collaborator and visionary.

One of the first “stars” I got to play with was Simon Kirke, drummer extraordinaire from Free and Bad Company.  As such a strong drummer, I was amazed to see him pick up a guitar, and be so accomplished on that instrument – then a bass, then keyboards.  My first band “counsellor” was Kelly Keagy, drummer and singer from 80′s arena rock band Night Ranger, and best known as the singer and composer of the power balad Sister Christian.  Same story – Kelly could play any instrument – really well – and was a wonderful producer and counsellor.  Most recently, Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis, best known as keyboard player for Guns ‘N Roses was my band’s counsellor.  Again, Teddy could play anything, and when we played at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, actually played Hammond Organ, guitar and sang AT THE SAME TIME (don’t ask me how, even though I was there and saw it!)

When I think about ‘consumate professionals’, I think of these highly talented musicians, and their determination to learn as much about music, performance, production and recording as they can – not just to master one instrument.  They have a passion for music – it’s not just a job.  They have often stretched their talents beyond music into the arts – for example, John Lennon, Grace Slick, Ron Wood, and Jon Entwhistle were all accomplished artists.  There are similar examples in the other performing arts – these people (the ones we most enjoy) take risks and keep growing (see, for example, Johnny Depp in the remarkable Sweeney Todd musical movie).  The lesson?  If you want to be an IT leader as we head towards 2017 – open your horizons – take risks – keep learning!  Bring passion into your work.  Oh, and you might stop by a Guitar Center!