In today’s fast-paced business environment, technology plays a crucial role in driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness. As companies continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, it’s essential that board members and technology leaders work together to elevate technology conversations in the boardroom.
For board members, it’s important not to underestimate the influence of technology, especially emerging technologies. If a technology lens is not incorporated into board members’ thinking or mindset, how can they be aware of clues that may suggest their company isn’t moving fast enough or in the right direction? Or how can they know if their organization is building the capabilities it needs to succeed in the future? Agility and sensing are critical today, and understanding how technology does—and will continue to—enable business strategy is a key part of that.
For technology leaders, it’s essential to have a seat at the table and share their perspectives on how technology can push the business forward. They should look to articulate how they’re enabling an organization’s integrated strategy with tech, whether that be through their own resources or by leveraging outside parties.
Technology can still be a black box for some board members, even though technology budgets are increasing. Technology leaders should clearly and transparently share the value propositions behind the strategic decisions they’re making. Are their investments creating more resiliency? Are they giving the business more opportunities to effectively leverage data? It’s not just about the dollars they’re spending but the business objectives they’re enabling.
Technology leaders often have an innate ability to understand emerging technology trends, and given technology’s pervasiveness, they’re often at the center of every discipline. Because of this, integrating their voices early and often is key to elevating conversations in the boardroom.
