From passenger to pilot – Taking the lead and building a business critical information management strategy

Abstract

Deciding to make the move from practitioner or manager to strategist is a career changing move for many in the information and knowledge management community. It is both exciting and daunting and the challenges of developing and delivering a successful information management strategy are well documented. This article reflects on the author’s experience of making this move and shares learning points for those who are considering developing their own information management strategy. From starting out with small successes, building personal stock and credibility and creating an audience for your strategy, through researching user needs and understanding your stakeholders, the author offers real-life examples and shares insights to support your decision making. Suggestions are given for linking information strategy to your organisation’s mission, values and objectives and insights are shared on managing financial and human resources to ensure successful delivery of the strategy. Far from being a step by step guide on what to put in your strategy document, this article provides honest advice on what to expect from the process of strategy development and delivery and how you can set yourself up to succeed.