acm siguccs computer services management symposium, 20031 successful decision making in it...
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ACM SIGUCCS Computer Services Management Symposium, 2003
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Successful Decision Making in IT management
Successful Decision Making in IT management
John Bucher, Director Information Technology, Oberlin College
Robert Paterson, Chief Information Officer, Salem State College
H. David Todd, Vice Provost and Chief Information Officer, University of San Diego
ACM SIGUCCS Computer Services Management Symposium, 2003
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Abstract:Abstract:Senior IT managers make key decisions that can
greatly impact their chances of success. What are the opportunities and pitfalls to be
aware of when making decisions? How do we continually reinvent ourselves to
remain effective in our jobs A panel of CIOs will provide guidelines for
assessing opportunities and share what they might have done differently.
ACM SIGUCCS Computer Services Management Symposium, 2003
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Categories of decisionsCategories of decisionsTechnicalEmotionalCommunicationBudgetEthicalPersonnelCareer
Relative Importance
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How do you decide ?How do you decide ?
What is the basis for your decision?What are your ground rules for making
decisions?What is the role of your moral compass?
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Too Slow Too Quick
• Procrastination
• Indecision
• “Analysis paralysis”
• “Ready, fire, aim”
• Impulsive, compulsive
• Arbitrary
Range of decision makingRange of decision making
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When do you make the decision?
When do you make the decision?
Do you have all of the right information? Do you know how much latitude you have? How are people expecting you to handle
decisions? You’re the boss - they want a decision. You gained their trust, now keep it.
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How do you keep your views fresh?
How do you keep your views fresh?
Reinvent yourself Talk to others, ask for their input Read, read, read Slow down to fully analyze the situation(s) Learn from experience, but respect each new
circumstance Pinch yourself occasionally
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Presenting your decisionsPresenting your decisions
How? What mechanism? To what audience? In what order? Developing the decision; involving others’ input When to “go to the mat” with an issue How widespread should it be?
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Small decisions Small decisions
Who makes those decisions? Small decisions… sometimes big consequences Getting “off the dime”
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How to handle “Bad” Decisions
How to handle “Bad” Decisions
Define a “bad decision” Admit when you’re wrong Take the responsibility for your staff Discuss what needs to happen to change the
situation Keep your boss in the loop
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How do you improve your likelihood of success ?
How do you improve your likelihood of success ?
Solicit input Listen to everyone Develop common values
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How do you know you’ve made successful decisions?How do you know you’ve
made successful decisions? No news is good news Acknowledge the focus of the IT committee Read the campus newspaper Anticipate the next question
ACM SIGUCCS Computer Services Management Symposium, 2003
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Categories of decisionsCategories of decisionsTechnicalEmotionalCommunicationBudgetEthicalPersonnelCareer
Relative Importance