Here's how you can use effective communication skills to influence decision-making processes in IT Strategy.

What stands out in effectively communicating the strategy is to co-relate the effort against the return on investment for any initiative. Return can be demonstrated as qualitative or quantitative, short team, mid term and long term. When presented effectively with these perspectives, the leaders will be able to consume the message effectively & can create a long lasting influence.

Active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication, particularly in the realm of IT strategy. By genuinely focusing on what stakeholders are saying, we can uncover their true needs, concerns, and aspirations. This not only builds trust but also ensures that our responses are relevant and empathetic. For instance, during strategy meetings, reflecting back key points and asking clarifying questions can demonstrate our commitment to understanding and addressing the issues at hand, thereby influencing decisions in a more informed and collaborative manner.

1. Active Listening is important to Understand Needs: -> Engage Fully: Focus on the speaker without distractions, demonstrating genuine interest in their concerns and ideas. -> Clarify and Reflect: Ask clarifying questions and reflect back what you’ve heard to ensure understanding and validate the speaker’s input. 2.Building Trust: -> Empathy: Show empathy by acknowledging the speaker’s feelings and perspectives, fostering a sense of mutual respect and trust. -> Non-Verbal Cues: Use non-verbal cues like nodding and maintaining eye contact to show that you are attentive and engaged.

Crafting messages that resonate with the specific audience is crucial for influencing decision making in IT strategy. Each stakeholder group whether it's senior executives, technical teams, or end users has unique perspectives and priorities. By tailoring our communication to address these distinct viewpoints, we can more effectively convey the value and impact of proposed strategies. This involves using the right terminology, emphasizing relevant benefits, and aligning the message with the audience's goals, thereby enhancing our persuasive power and fostering agreement.

Persuasive Techniques can be done by building a compelling case & storytelling 1.Build a Compelling Case: Data-Driven Arguments: Support your arguments with data, analytics, and case studies that demonstrate the potential impact and benefits of your IT strategy proposals. Logical Structure: Present your ideas in a logical, step-by-step manner, making it easy for stakeholders to follow and understand your reasoning. 2. Emotional Appeal: Storytelling: Use storytelling to illustrate the potential outcomes and benefits of your proposals, making them more relatable and memorable. Positive Framing: Frame your proposals positively, emphasizing the opportunities and benefits rather than focusing solely on risks or challenges.

Leveraging persuasive techniques is vital in steering decision-making processes. Techniques such as presenting clear data, sharing compelling success stories, and demonstrating the alignment of IT initiatives with overall business objectives can significantly impact stakeholders' perceptions. By highlighting the tangible benefits and potential risks mitigated by our strategies, we can create a sense of urgency and importance. This approach not only makes our case more convincing but also helps in gaining the necessary buy-in from key decision-makers.

Une stratégie informatique ne peut être le seul résultat d'une vision solitaire, même présentée de la manière la plus convaincante qu'il soit. De longs monologues, vantant les mérites d'une vision, ne parviennent à convaincre personne. La tenue de brèves conférences sur des thématiques d'intérêt, avec des intervenants externes, confirmant la vision de l'entreprise est probablement plus efficace qu'un magnifique Powerpoint. De plus, la stratégie informatique n'est qu'une composante de la stratégie d'une organisation : les propositions, pour être convaincantes, doivent d'abord traduire la manière dont elles contribuent à affirmer les valeurs partagées et soutenir la réalisation d'objectifs plus globaux.

Consistency in communication reinforces our credibility and ensures that our messages are understood and remembered. Regular updates, transparent reporting, and maintaining open channels for feedback are essential practices. Consistent communication helps in building a coherent narrative around our IT strategy, making it easier for stakeholders to grasp and support our vision. Moreover, it keeps everyone aligned and informed, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and ensuring that the decision making process remains smooth and effective.

Feedback Loops can be done by making continuous improvement & Iterative Process 1.Continuous Improvement: -> Solicit Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from stakeholders to understand their perspectives and identify areas for improvement. -> Act on Feedback: Act on the feedback received to make necessary adjustments to the IT strategy, demonstrating responsiveness and adaptability. 2.Iterative Process: -> Review and Reflect: Periodically review the decision-making process and outcomes to learn from successes and failures. -> Adapt and Evolve: Use the insights gained from feedback to continuously adapt and improve your communication and decision-making processes.

Une stratégie informatique réussie repose également sur une gouvernance adaptée. La constitution d'un document sous forme de feuille de route demeure un préalable indispensable : son suivi ne peut se faire sans des rencontres régulières, une analyse sans concession et objective des succès et des échecs et une adaptation constante aux nouvelles contraintes pesant sur une organisation. L'instruction des modes technologiques est un sujet particulièrement délicat dans ce cadre : peur de passer à côté d'une opportunité vs nécessaire recul pour ne pas investir hâtivement des dispositifs encore peu mâtures. Ici aussi, une bonne gouvernance associant métier et informatique, en plus d'un solide réseau de pairs paraissent essentiels.

La construction et l'élaboration d'une stratégie IT dans une organisation sont à réaliser en prenant en compte les perspectives de l'ensemble des parties prenantes d'une organisation. Si certains sujets (comme les infrastructures) ne justifient en rien une large consultation de représentants du métier, d'autres méritent probablement d'aller jusqu'à de la co-construction. À titre d'exemple, introduire une IA générative dans un processus métier relève prioritairement d'un choix stratégique relevant du plus haut niveau exécutif d'une entreprise, après une étude de la valeur ajoutée et des risques liés à cette technologie.