Sticky Glue

Today I went to the offical “FIRST” Business Forum for the Information Worker Community. It was a real eye opener and a relief all at the same time. From my side with a Technical background as well as a managerial operational background, it was interesting to see peoples view points of Sharepoint.

The meeting started with the useal Intro’s and news and then went into something very interesting. “Knowledge Cafe”. I really liked the concept and it is definitly a concept that I’ll try introduce back at the office and with clients.

“Knowledge Cafe” is really a set of 3 or more questions that prompt discussion around a central subject. The focus today was getting Technical and Business talking and hopefully coming to see each others viewpoints. Well discussion the was!!

At the end of it all we heard a single point from everyone that really stood out for them! What came out very clearly – from my viewpoint was this :

1. There does not seem to be any “strategy” planning around sharepoint sites
2. IT Sell a technical “TOOL” to business but forget to find out what the business problem is
3. Before a SharePoint implementation, there does not seem to be any session for Business User “buy-in” and thus when SharePoint is rolled out – Business look at this as say – “SO WHAT?!!” – “WHO CARES IF IT CAN BLOG…..”

In general as one business user put it – IT “must just get over themselves”! So the conclusion all matters being heard is this: IT don’t understand business.

So what’s the solution? Well don’t know! When I figure it out – well then Sticky Glue will be the first to hear of it..

Come join us sometime so we can hear your viewpoint – http://www.informationworker.co.za

Looking forward to seeing you there next month!!