Jenga IT, why do we do it to ourselves?

The IT Jenga Dilemma

Ever feel like you’re playing Jenga with your IT setup? Well, you’re not alone. Whether you’re leading an IT team or own a business, maintaining a robust IT structure can feel like balancing a stack of precarious blocks. The reality is that our IT systems — especially in small businesses — often resemble a game of Jenga. Despite our best efforts, the rules of creating and managing effective IT solutions are still evolving. This not-so-simple task becomes increasingly complex when trying to weave together in-house systems and external vendor systems. Without a strong bridge between IT and business models, this stack is bound to topple.

Small businesses usually operate with limited IT resources — one or two staff members, maybe up to ten if they're lucky. Meanwhile, big corporations splurge millions on IT infrastructure, yet still face similar frustrations. The fundamental issue isn't a lack of talent but a misalignment between IT models and business goals. Tackling this challenge requires more than just patchwork. It calls for a clear strategy aimed at achieving that elusive Goldilocks scenario where everything just works.

Building the right IT foundation

We often approach IT projects expecting them to unfold as predictably as constructing a house. But this mindset is misleading. Software and IT systems are more akin to sculptures — malleable, ever-evolving, and never really "finished." When an IT team develops software, they’re constantly shaping and adjusting it to meet new demands and challenges. Unlike a house that stands firm for decades, tech solutions need continual adjustments as market and customer needs fluctuate. This paradigm shift — from house-building to sculpting — is crucial for understanding how IT teams work. Instead of demanding a final product that lasts forever, we should appreciate the ongoing process of crafting and fine-tuning.

Another misconception lies in time management. IT professionals are makers, not managers. They thrive on uninterrupted hours dedicated to solving complex problems, much like artists who need focus to create. Unlike managers who toggle between meetings and tasks, makers need sustained concentration. Interrupting this flow with constant disruptions can badly affect productivity and quality. In contrast to a factory setting where it's clear when someone is busy, IT work is less visible but equally demanding. Recognizing this difference is vital to fostering an environment where innovation can flourish.

Understanding and valuing the maker's schedule is a game-changer. When you enable your IT team to work without frequent interruptions, you nurture a space where innovation can thrive. Just like a sculptor who painstakingly shapes clay, IT professionals need time to deeply engage with their work to produce solutions that evolve the business. Transitioning from the current state — where we expect IT solutions to remain static — to a more dynamic approach where continuous iteration is embraced is key.

Shifting paradigms for IT success

Rethinking IT from a mere cost center to a hub of innovation can radically transform your business. Ask yourself: Do you perceive IT as a necessary nuisance or as a potential hotbed for creative solutions? When treated as an innovation center, IT becomes the lab where groundbreaking ideas are born. This outlook doesn’t require leaps to new iPhones or moon missions. Instead, it allows for internal innovations that provide a competitive edge. Amazon's evolution into cloud services is a prime example of unexpected innovation stemming from internal solutions.

Investing in IT goes beyond monetary input — it's about fostering an environment conducive to growth. By cultivating the mindset that IT can be a revenue-generating powerhouse, you unlock the potential for innovation that aligns with your strategic business goals. This shift means moving away from seeing IT as just a support function to recognizing it as a critical driver of competitive advantage.

Creating a culture of innovation involves several layers. It starts with redefining roles and expectations within your IT department. Rather than just maintaining systems, encourage your team to explore, experiment, and develop new ways to interact with customers or streamline operations. Giving your IT team the freedom and resources to innovate can lead to discovering a niche-like AWS — an initially internal solution that became a standalone product.

To fully harness IT's power, view technology spending as an investment rather than a cost. This mindset change not only impacts the bottom line but also opens up possibilities for future growth. Imagine how investing in IT solutions could enhance customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, or even open up new revenue streams. By prioritizing IT as a core component of your business strategy, you set the stage for sustained success.

Transform your IT perspective

The IT landscape may seem like a game of Jenga, but it doesn't have to be. By shifting your perspective — from builder to sculptor, manager to maker — you can transform IT from a precarious stack to a robust foundation. In doing so, you not only align your IT and business models but also unlock innovation and investment opportunities that drive long-term success. It’s about bridging the gap and creating a future where IT doesn’t just support your business but empowers it.

In the end, it’s not just about fixing today’s problems. It’s about setting up a framework that anticipates future challenges and turns them into opportunities. So let's stop playing Jenga with our IT — let’s sculpt our way to sustainable growth.