9April 2016is revealed in a survey conducted by Hewlett-Packard showing that the top primary motivator for organizations moving to an agile methodology is enhanced collaboration between teams that don't typically work together. Adopting an Agile approach is essential to foster the unity and partnership of teams within IT and the business.To accomplish this goal, in 2014, I led the IT division through a complete agile reorganization from the top down. With this new alignment, we have gained the ability to focus on establishing the priority of projects and completing one effort at a time according to the priority. The attention and efforts directed with such precision allows for dedicated teamwork, cross-functional training and a strengthening of our internal culture. This structure provides increased accountability, efficiency and organization that help Aflac IT to be poised and ready for the next opportunity, producing results at record speed. Like eggs to a cake, Agile is a binding agent giving structure and volume to your workforce and the business.Stimulate Growth with Strategy and a Technology RoadmapStrategic vision and the proper communication of that vision are fundamental to an effective IT organization. CIOs at the Wall Street Journal CIO Network event in 2015 came up with their top-five priorities, and these were narrowed down to two general themes: security risks and strategy. When it came to the latter, CIOs agreed that they wanted their IT organizations to be the change agent at their companies and that they themselves need a business-centric vision.Traditionally, CIOs focus on managing the basic technical service needs of the organization, ranging from providing Internet connectivity to installing desktop software. However, the role of a CIO is now viewed as an essential strategic business partner helping the company accomplish their goals. Their insight on technological solutions influences and impacts numerous business decisions, driving the need for CIOs to be able to interpret and communicate the technological needs in a business context while acting as a liaison between the business partner and those implementing the technology.A technology roadmap is vital to identify that the necessary tools are in place to meet organizational and business goals as well as align with the overall corporate strategic vision. This path helps find existing gaps, recognizes the technology investments needed and, at the executive level, can be used as a visual tool to support requests for technology changes or investments. CIOs must view their organizations like leaven that fosters transformation, drives change and helps the company rise above its competitors.Add in Accountability­ and a Little HeatThe role of the CIO has changed drastically over the past 10 years due to our ever-changing technological landscape. How can a CIO know if their strategy and roadmap are effective in this type of environment? Measurable goals and industry benchmarks help you assess if you're on the right track or if any adjustments are needed. When we received a direct challenge from our CEO to create a process that would set us apart in an increasingly competitive environment ­ needless to say, our skills, teamwork and strategy were put to the test. By leveraging an agile approach, establishing realistic goals and metrics, and holding ourselves accountable to them, Aflac introduced One Day PaySM, a trailblazing initiative allowing Aflac to receive process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in one business day.At Aflac, I continually face many of the current challenges other CIOs are experiencing in the industry today. Whether you're balancing legacy systems with evolving operating systems or capitalizing on the growth of data, perspective is everything ­ approaching challenges as opportunities instead of obstacles is vital. After all, turning up the heat is the difference between a blob of batter and a beautiful batch of brownies.Bon appétit!While a good recipe provides a starting point for your dish, there is no prix fixe menu for leading your organization­a little creative culinary art is needed to make your dish fabulous. CIOs likewise must be skilled in choosing a collaborative team with the skills, strategy and steadfastness needed to take on and measure up to the challenges found in your organization. By mixing in these four ingredients and adjusting them to the needs of your business, you're on your way to cooking up a successful IT organization. CIOs must view their organizations like leaven that fosters transformation, drives change and helps the company rise above its competitors
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