September 7, 2005 at 3:24 pm
It's what I suspected for quite some time, but this is still amazing to see in print. A CIO Admitting Problems is refreshing to see, but almost at odds with conventional practice in the IT world. In many places I've been, no matter what the issue, it seems that so many IT people don't want to admit their mistakes to an IT outside. Or to management. A practice born of the lack of understanding of IT by outsiders as well as the fear that mistakes in some part of IT that we have no control over, usually software, will be blamed on the messenger.
There's two interesting things in this article, and I'll hit another tomorrow, but I like that this CIO is disclosing information. I know there could be some concern over security risks, but honestly, most of your security risk is the people, not the systems.
But admitting mistakes, or admitting that you don't know for certain when something will be fixed, is a good practice. Despite the heat you take initially, less overall blame, in my opinion, will befall you if you are more honest with your clients and partners. Let them know that you are human, you make mistakes and you'll admit them. Of course, be sure that you are working to correct and minimize mistakes as well.
This is a good idea because we all make mistakes. And the more people involved, like in a company, means that more mistakes will be made. Even by executives. Pretending you never make mistakes, when everyone on both sides know you do, is a poor practice. And in this case, admitting some issues and showing that an expected upgrade may cause problems is just a good idea. Everyone expects some issues, so stand tall and admit the areas that you are concerned about.
I do understand that a leader needs to project confidence and their strength will infect, inspire, and carry others forward. Cautioning or admitting mistakes, however, doesn't have to take away from that. True leaders are able to do this and still inspire their charges forward.
This isn't the best example of that since it doesn't sound like the CIO is delivering confidence along with the bad news. Learn from that and show you are human, admit mistakes, but have a plan to move forward and allow people to feel secure that you will do better in the future.
Steve Jones
September 12, 2005 at 8:00 am
This was removed by the editor as SPAM
September 12, 2005 at 9:50 am
I think that keeping partners advised of reality is a good idea (though I'll bet the lawyers went ballistic, and the sarbox people got nervous).
But the information has to be useful. Tell them what problems to expect, what is likely, what is unlikely, and most importantly plan B when the problems occur.
Just 'mea culpa' is not helpful.
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-- FORTRAN manual for Xerox Computers --
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