Today’s technological landscape is constantly evolving. Just when we have adapted to one trend, it seems as if a new one is on the way. Businesses must remain agile to be ready for what’s ahead.

CIOs can facilitate changes with a flexible IT roadmap. It will allow your company to pivot easily when new technology is introduced. Statistics show an agile IT roadmap leads to better business outcomes.

How to Create an Agile IT Roadmap

Make it Part of Your Company’s Culture

An agile roadmap won’t work unless the mindset is adapted company-wide. Teams must learn to embrace change. Make growth and adaptation the norm.

Here are some examples of how you can transform your company culture to embrace agility:

• Encourage employees to see challenges and failures as part of growth
• Implement processes that work well in an evolving business environment
• Believe in limitless growth for your company
• Devise solutions that minimize risk
• Encourage teams to find solutions to improve processes
• Be accountable for mistakes so teams understand how they support the growth process
• Be persistent in the face of challenges
• Rather than checking team progress quarterly, continuously up the ante so they rise to the occasion

Resist Starting from Scratch

Moving from a fixed mindset to an agile mindset doesn’t necessarily mean reworking your entire company strategy. You may find that some of your methods and tactics support agility. Others may need improvement.

Avoid overhauling your entire system to save time and money and make the transition easier for involved parties.

Consider that your transformation may be a gradual one. Ask yourself what’s working for your company and what needs to be changed. Make gradual updates as you go.

Visualize How Change Will Impact Your Teams

A flexible IT roadmap can only be successful if everyone is onboard. You will gain company support by visualizing how change will affect various teams and employees. They will feel valued throughout the process and become more loyal to your business.

Considering how the transformation will affect all parties will also make the transition smoother. You will predict outcomes to minimize surprises. Employees will adapt quicker to new technology.

Identify Champions and Detractors

Champions are people with naturally agile mindsets who are ready to adapt to change. Detractors are skeptical of change and may resist a transformation.

As CIO, it is your job to identify champions and detractors. Keep in mind that these individuals are not necessarily employees. They could be customers, stakeholders, vendors, or any other involved parties.

You may not need to spend much energy on champions. The important strategy is to get them to advocate for change.

Detractors will require more of a time investment. Though you may be tempted to leave them in the dust, they tend to be long-time employees or stakeholders that play a major role in your company.

Schedule meetings to understand why they are resistant to change. The attitude is often linked to a fear of lower job stability. Address their concerns so they feel more confident about the changes ahead.

Implement Training

Training is often a necessary step in technology transformation. Start by observing your teams. Determine the biggest opportunities for learning and the most effective methods.

Don’t shy away from training at the executive level. Leaders must be trained in new technology as well. It will help them adopt a better overview of company processes and get them on board with an agile mindset.

Use Small Steps to Reach Long-Term Goals

Adaption may not happen all at once. Small shifts may make it easier for your teams to adapt. Start with steps that will have the most impact, affect the most people, or eliminate pain points in the transformation process.