When we talk about IT skills in organisations, the focus is often on operational competencies - how to use collaboration tools like Teams, conduct paperless meetings, or make the most of apps and devices. While these are important, they represent only the surface of what’s required to drive efficiency and innovation in the digital age. But there’s a deeper, more critical skill that is not being addressed at the executive level: understanding what IT truly is and how to drive it effectively within an organisation.
The blind spot in IT leadership
Ask an executive to define cloud computing or explain how it impacts their organisation, and you may be met with incomplete answers—or none at all. Cloud is just one example of a modern IT concept that requires executive understanding to make informed decisions. Without this understanding, decision-makers are effectively driving blind, making choices based on surface-level knowledge or political considerations rather than strategic insight.
This blind spot can have serious consequences. Decisions that ignore the potential (or risks) of technologies like the cloud, automation, or AI can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and even costly missteps.
Driving technology without understanding
To illustrate the problem, consider an analogy: driving a car without understanding how it works. If you don’t know when to shift gears or how to brake properly, you’ll damage the car—or worse, end up in a ditch. Similarly, leaders who lack a solid grasp of modern IT concepts risk derailing their organisation’s digital transformation efforts.
This isn’t to suggest executives need to become IT experts. However, they must have enough knowledge to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and guide their teams effectively. Without this foundation, they can’t fully align IT initiatives with organisational goals, nor can they assess whether proposed solutions are appropriate or sustainable.
The root of the problem
Why is this gap so prevalent? It may be due to an outdated view of IT as a purely technical domain, disconnected from business strategy. While organisations are investing heavily in upskilling their teams, they often neglect to extend these efforts to the leadership level.
Yet, in a world where technology underpins nearly every aspect of business, IT literacy at the executive level is no longer optional. It is a core leadership competency, essential for guiding organisations through an era of constant change and innovation.
A call to action: IT training for executives
The solution is clear: organisations must prioritise IT education for executives and decision-makers. This training should go beyond the basics of using tools or devices. It should focus on:
- Understanding modern IT concepts: Cloud computing, AI, RPA, low-code platforms, and other transformative technologies.
- Aligning IT and business goals: How IT can drive business outcomes and support strategic objectives.
- Making informed decisions: Evaluating IT investments, assessing risks, and understanding the implications of adopting (or avoiding) certain technologies.
At Faseo, we believe that executive-level IT training is a crucial part of any successful digital transformation. That’s why our workshops and training programs include sessions tailored to management and business leaders. By bridging the gap between business strategy and technology, we empower decision-makers to lead with confidence and clarity.