
Collaboration And Communication Are Key When Working On Complex Projects
When working on complex projects, it is essential to adopt a collaborative and communicative approach with all stakeholders involved. As the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), I have had the privilege of working closely with talented researchers, providing IT support for innovative research projects.
It’s not uncommon to encounter situations where we are tasked with supporting projects that involve cutting-edge technologies or unconventional approaches. In such instances, it is crucial to establish open lines of communication and foster a collaborative environment that encourages active listening, trust-building, and constructive dialogue.
As a champion of innovation, I believe that our IT department should adopt an approach that prioritizes building strong relationships with researchers by actively engaging in discussions, asking open-ended questions, and clarifying their needs. This not only helps us better understand the project’s objectives but also empowers researchers to take ownership of their work.
In my experience working with researchers at MCW, I have found that embracing a collaborative mindset has been instrumental in delivering successful outcomes. By putting ourselves in the shoes of our stakeholders, we can effectively communicate the value of IT support and proactively address any concerns or limitations that may arise during the project lifecycle.
When faced with complex projects that require outside expertise or resources, it’s essential to recognize the importance of deferring to external entities when necessary. This might involve partnering with external organizations or leveraging existing collaborations to achieve the desired outcome. By doing so, we can ensure that our IT support is focused on delivering tailored solutions that align with the project’s objectives.
In conclusion, effective collaboration and communication are pivotal components of successful projects. As technology executives, it is our responsibility to build bridges between diverse stakeholders, foster open dialogue, and prioritize active listening.
Source: http://www.forbes.com