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Of course, the day-to-day work of an astronaut cannot be compared to that of a CIO. However, what they have in common is their perspective. An astronaut on a space mission can view Earth from a unique vantage point above, while a CIO has an equally unique perspective on the company and can view it holistically. So what defines this unique perspective for the CIO, and how can he apply the qualities of an astronaut to the development of corporate strategy?
What many astronauts have in common is their impression of Earth—this planet that, when viewed from above, looks so small and so lonely in the universe. Sigmund Jähn (strictly speaking, a cosmonaut) told author Maja Nielsen:
“Even before my flight, I knew that our planet is small and vulnerable. But when I saw it from space, in all its indescribable beauty and fragility, I realized that humanity’s most important task is to protect and preserve it for future generations.”
A quote that could just as easily have come from astronauts like Alexander Gerst or James Irwin. Only in space, inside a small space shuttle, do they see the world from a perspective that reveals its interconnectedness. Seeing the planet as a whole—that is an astronaut’s perspective.
A forest fire, for example, might look very small from down here, and people in distant regions or other countries may not even notice it. From above, an astronaut can see just how large the fire really is and how quickly it spreads, spilling over into other areas and, over time, having a massive impact on a large number of people. Even when severe weather events like thunderstorms, hurricanes, or sandstorms are brewing, you can see their full extent from space—where they’re forming and which areas are affected and at risk.
An astronaut’s perspective gives him a bird’s-eye view of Earth’s problems and their consequences. He can see things that other people, from their own perspective, can never see. This makes the astronaut a visionary and a role model for many people.
They lead and steer the company’s (digital) strategy. Their experience leading IT organizations gives them many advantages:
As early as 2019, more than 50% of CIOs stated (source: Gartner) that they help steer the company’s strategic direction. They also serve as a bridge to many departments, since a company’s technology permeates all areas. Every employee interacts with the company’s IT department. Consequently, the CIO is also responsible for internal productivity.
Balancing external and internal factors is challenging, as it requires an in-depth examination of how people within the company create value.
Just as looking at Earth from a space station makes it clear that our planet is a fragile structure, the situation within a company is also fragile. The pressure to innovate driven by digitalization comes from outside, and companies must evolve quickly so they aren’t left behind by competitors. At the same time, it’s difficult to bring about this change with the company’s existing team. Startups tend to have the advantage of moving quickly in this regard (and are then acquired by larger companies, bringing speed to them). We know that simply throwing around buzzwords like “agility” or “AI” doesn’t help here.
What must a CIO do now to resolve this conflict and improve this fragile situation?
Customers have always expected products to provide them with benefits and thus create value. It is now clear that this can only be achieved if these products adapt to changes in user needs. Continuous improvement has become the norm. From the supplier’s perspective, this means that products can only be successfully delivered to customers if
CIOs with a technical background often understand this concept beyond just the buzzword. Agility and entrepreneurial thinking have a long history in software development and are increasingly spreading throughout the entire company. While essential ideas are often lost in the process, the fundamental concept lives on and is adapted.
A culture that values experimentation and focus is certainly more helpful for companies navigating digital transformation than one that prioritizes stability and continuity.
All of this is taking place in an environment where people demand and need greater flexibility, because work is no longer everything. This means that, under the leadership and with the experience of CIOs and their perspective, the company can bring agile ideas into the organization and also serve as a model for how other departments should act and operate.
Technology companies have technology as their core competency, and this core competency must also continue to evolve. Even if we haven’t won a golden coffee mug yet “with AI” and lots of “blockchain,” it’s still the right move to focus on these technologies, because anything that facilitates digital transformation or promises productivity gains of 10x or more is helpful.
Companies must increasingly become experimental labs in order to master the sheer volume of new technologies. That doesn’t mean you have to try everything. On the contrary, what will be crucial is how well you can filter out the options and which technologies you master so that, in the end, they offer added value to the customer.
CIOs who have a clear grasp of technical capabilities and select technologies that are built for the digital world will make a positive impression.
So where is this journey taking companies? How can the CIO actively help shape this journey, and what is the next milestone? Only time will tell. What is clear is that this journey does not have a single destination—in fact, it will likely never end. As CIOs, it will be up to us to shape this journey in such a way that it can be successfully pursued for as long as possible.
Leverage space technology for your business. OHB Digital Services GmbH has been a reliable partner for secure and innovative IT solutions for many years. We are part of one of the most successful aerospace and technology companies in Europe. With our products and services, we support you in areas such as the digital transformation of your business processes along the value chain and with all security-related issues. Please feel free to contact us.
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