From Techie to Leader

1. From Techie to Leader Strategy, Vision, Communications, Role Model and Team Building for Non Profit IT Staff Presented by: Linda Widdop Dean Graham NPower Pennsylvania Linda Widdop Dean Graham

2. Top Three Takeaways • IT Leadership isn’t all about technology • 5 key areas of leadership to focus on • Tips for developing skills in each of the key areas Linda Widdop Dean Graham

3. Session Agenda • Introductions • Audience – What are you here to learn? • Understanding IT Leadership • 5 Key areas of Technology Leadership • Open Q&A Linda Widdop Dean Graham

4. Session Agenda • Introductions • Audience – What are you here to learn? • Understanding IT Leadership • 5 Key areas of Technology Leadership • Open Q&A Linda Widdop Dean Graham

5. Introductions – NPower Linda Widdop Dean Graham • Started in Seattle in 1999 • To give hands on technology help to nonprofits: • Software being donated but not being used • Organizations were using a variety of unreliable or expensive sources for computer help • NPower PA started in 2003 • today NPower PA has over 300 Member Non-Profits, representing all nonprofit sectors • 12 Affiliate Sites

6. What is NPower’s mission? To inspire and empower nonprofits to use technology to better serve their communities. Linda Widdop Dean Graham

7. Introductions • Linda Widdop – Director of Technology Services • 5 years with NPower managing consulting services for non profit organizations • Dean Graham – Manager of Application Services • 15 years of nonprofit technology sector experience Linda Widdop Dean Graham

8. Session Agenda • Introductions • Audience – What are you here to learn? • Understanding IT Leadership • 5 Key areas of Technology Leadership • Open Q&A Linda Widdop Dean Graham

9. Audience • Who are you? • Accidental Techie, Technology Professional, IT Manager • What are you here to learn? • Planning, Visioning, Crafting a message to Administrators, Understand IT Leadership Linda Widdop Dean Graham

10. Question: Does your organization appropriately take technology into account when doing strategic planning? Answer: Too often, the answer is NO! Linda Widdop Dean Graham

11. The true measure of leadership is influence - nothing more nothing less. - John Maxwell Linda Widdop Dean Graham

12. Session Agenda • Introductions • Audience – What are you here to learn? • Understanding IT Leadership • 5 Key areas of Technology Leadership • Open Q&A Linda Widdop Dean Graham

13. IT Roles in Non Profits • Large non profits have org charts that allow technology to be part of executive decisions - CIO • Mid size non profits have org charts that allow someone to “deal” with technology – IT Manager • Small non profits don’t even have an org chart! - “Accidental Techie” Linda Widdop Dean Graham

14. Ineffective CIO • E.D. has business background • New position created – CIO • CIO attends executive meetings • No improvements seen by management • Staff frustrated by technology Linda Widdop Dean Graham

15. Ineffective IT Manager • Top management comprised of promoted social workers, advocates • IT Manager not invited/included in executive meetings • Budget developed and managed by CFO Linda Widdop Dean Graham

16. Ineffective Accidental Techie • Volunteer or overworked case worker who knows how to use a computer • Few or minimal resources • React to crisis or programmatic changes Linda Widdop Dean Graham

17. Understanding IT Leadership • What was missing in our 3 examples? • Leadership • To be effective, you need to understand how to be a leader – no matter what role Linda Widdop Dean Graham

18. Linda Widdop Dean Graham

19. Session Agenda • Introductions • Audience – What are you here to learn? • Understanding IT Leadership • 5 Key areas of Technology Leadership • Open Q&A Linda Widdop Dean Graham

20. 5 Key Areas of Technology Leadership • Understand Strategic Technology Planning • Developing a Vision for the organization • Building the Team • Communication • Role Models Linda Widdop Dean Graham

21. Planning Communication Develop Vision Build the Team Role Model Linda Widdop Dean Graham

22. Understanding Strategic Technology Planning • Roadmap that aligns technology with mission and business goals • Process to build buy-in from stakeholders • A framework for decision-making • Tool for budgeting and fundraising • Living evolving document Linda Widdop Dean Graham

23. Where does IT Leadership fit in? • Broach the subject with management • Understand and communicate the benefits • Lead the effort • Look to the future Linda Widdop Dean Graham

24. …Increase services by 25%, start an after school program, double earned revenue, improve membership package… Develop a Vision – Align Technology with Mission & Business Goals Think about it: What are your organization’s key, strategic business goals over the next 3-5 years? Linda Widdop Dean Graham

25. THEN, Add Technology …Use client database to reduce time spent on manual processes, send e-newsletter to increase membership, use website to sell/promote services… Think about it: How can technology support or help you reach your business goals? Where does technology intersect with your goals? Linda Widdop Dean Graham

26. Where does IT Leadership fit in? • Get involved in developing your org’s business goals • Fully understand all programs • Ask about the “big picture” • Share your ideas with others Linda Widdop Dean Graham

27. Build the Team - Benefits of Buy-In from All Levels • Gain support and user adoption • Budgets make more sense • Input from all angles • Smarter solutions • Holistic approach Linda Widdop Dean Graham

28. Where does IT Leadership fit in? • Ask for volunteers to join the effort • Elicit input from all members • Include other leaders • Be open to many ideas • Foster team communication • Don’t let your expertise drivethe process Linda Widdop Dean Graham

29. Relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows. - Ben Stein Linda Widdop Dean Graham

30. Communication – Build Internal Enthusiasm • All meetings must be attended by the team • Share the team’s deliverables with other staff – executives or full staff • Develop solid documentation • Share your enthusiasm for the project with everyone Linda Widdop Dean Graham

31. Role Model – Reach out to Like Minded Organizations • Use your Headquarters • Investigate other organizations that provide the same services • Investigate other organizations that communicate in the same way • Research and adopt technology “best practices” Linda Widdop Dean Graham

32. Role Model – Be One • Continue to provide thought leadership within the organization • Keep up the communications • Join and attend non profit technology groups – like NTEN! • Provide information to other organizations • Collaborate when possible Linda Widdop Dean Graham

33. Session Agenda • Introductions • Audience – What are you here to learn? • Understanding IT Leadership • 5 Key areas of Technology Leadership • Open Q&A Linda Widdop Dean Graham

34. ??? - Questions - ??? Comments Linda Widdop Dean Graham

35. A leader is the one who climbs the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation, and yells, “Wrong jungle!” Stephen Covey Linda Widdop Dean Graham

36. Thank You! Contact Information: Linda@npowerpa.org Dean@npowerpa.org Linda Widdop Dean Graham