Future Planning in an Uncertain Environment

The Minneapolis CIO community came together virtually to discuss the new demands of IT leaders – shorter execution cycles and tighter budgets, steady leadership in a new era of scenario planning and execution and supporting work-life balance in a hybrid environment. 

This group has come together for virtual town halls and boardrooms monthly to share challenges and celebrate successes. The panel consisted of top leaders in the Minneapolis area who provided unique perspectives and opened dialogue about planning in an uncertain environment. 

Ahead of this virtual town hall, Minneapolis CIOs took part in a survey about the business implications brought on by the pandemic, which revealed the following: 

63% of C-level executives are concerned about employee morale and burnout as we head into Q3/Q4

43% of respondents are concerned with managing a mix of remote and onsite employees and changes to company culture as we head into Q3/Q4

29% of respondents reported that they will make WFH permanent for some employees

27% of respondents said they will use a phased approach tailored to individuals when it’s time to return to the office

The conversation was led by Evanta’s Minneapolis Content Manager, Katie O’Reilly. Teddy Bekele, SVP & CTO, Land O’Lakes, Sharon Kennedy-Vickers, CIO & Director, Technology & Communications, City of St. Paul and Justin Kershaw, Corporate VP & CIO, Cargill joined the panel discussion this month. Each panelist shared candid thoughts about budget constraints, collaboration with other business partners and addressing mental health and social unrest within their organizations. 

The new demands of IT leaders – shorter execution cycles and tighter budgets

CIOs were asked how their budgets have been impacted by the pandemic and how they were managing an increase in solutions rollouts with stagnant or shrinking budgets. Two executives shared that while they had different budget expectations through the pandemic, they agreed on a founding principal when it came to talking about budget. 

They both said that there needs to be clear conversations around expectations with their business partners. Whether there is an increase or decrease in budget for technology solutions, IT and the business need to prioritize investments that provide value to the customer, but also offer solutions to remote employees.

One explained that over the last couple of years at his organization, their technology capability has improved, so in turn, business leaders are trusting and investing in more technology. A lot of organizations had to adjust as the world was changing around them, but it was also a good time to take a step back and reprioritize high quality work.

Steady leadership in a new era of scenario planning and execution

The circumstances of 2020 have created a new way of work that requires collaboration not just across the business, but across industries and agencies as well. CIOs discussed whether or not they have enlisted resources from outside their own departments to help with technology execution and strategy. 

All panelists agreed that working from home has created new ways to collaborate. One CIO explained that in the first months of remote work, employees had to adjust and troubleshoot IT issues on their own. Because of this, digital and technology savviness has increased. 

Others shared that there is an added human element which will extend beyond the pandemic. People were more empathetic about working arrangements at home, and leaders had to give more flexibility. Working remotely allowed employees to come up with new ways to meet and collaborate. 

Supporting work-life balance in a hybrid environment

The convergence of the pandemic and social justice demonstrations across the country requires a new kind of leadership. CIOs discussed supporting their own and their employees’ well-being when it comes to burnout, morale and emotional stress.

Regarding mental health, one executive explained that everyone needs time to rest. With computers in our living rooms, it’s hard to unplug, but it is important as leaders to remind employees to take time off, schedule time for a lunch break and set a working schedule. The same leader also mentioned that during this time, they are overcommunicating to employees to prevent miscommunication. 

Some leaders are listening to employees' concerns about the social justice demonstrations across the country. One is creating more opportunities for people of color to not only enter the tech space but thrive. Her organization is looking at hiring and recruitment practices, educating staff and addressing the barriers to entry for people of color in a tech role.

Although we are traveling less and have more time to connect virtually, another executive mentioned that a lot of people are experiencing more stress. A positive that has come out of this pandemic and the social justice demonstrations is the openness and willingness to talk with our peers. One shared that he is motivated to make more change and feels responsible for the culture of his organization. Every person can have an impact by talking more, educating yourself and looking at the core of an organization to call out systemic issues.

Another CIO shared that this remote environment has helped continue the conversation about mental health and the social unrest in this country. People are more comfortable and are bolder to state their opinions. A few areas that his organization is going to focus on are hiring and recruitment processes to get a larger pool of diverse applicants, unconscious bias training, providing educational resources and having a welcoming and engaging culture. Keeping an open dialogue going forward will be important to making strides to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

by CIOs, for CIOs

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