In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses often face the challenge of treating technology as a partner or just another transactional tool. The synergy between business and technology drives innovation, efficiency, and growth. A strategic partnership with technology can transform operations, enhance customer experiences, and set organizations apart in a competitive market. 

This blog explores the dynamic relationship between business and technology. Richard Hicks, CEO at Inspiredu, offers insights into how understanding and embracing this partnership can unlock endless possibilities for any organization.

 

Defining the Relationship Between Business and Technology

Since technology is an inseparable part of running a business (even kids running lemonade stands nowadays use CashApp!), the two must have an effective working relationship to create success. 

Richard Hicks explains how he defines the relationship between business and technology in today’s evolving landscape. 

In today’s landscape, the relationship between business and technology is deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing. The rapid evolution of technology, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), has transformed how businesses operate, compete, and deliver value.

In a LinkedIn article, the author discusses this relationship and how it will advance us forward in our business. 

“…We can begin to identify how technological tools, as simple as a spreadsheet or email, or as complex as artificial intelligence systems and business intelligence, help us to solve these…in the most appropriate and effective way.” 

Both Hicks and this author have the same idea of business and technology being intertwined and symbiotic in a way. 

Hicks shares a prime example of a business that uses technology in a mutually reinforcing way.

Amazon has integrated AI across various aspects of its business, from logistics and supply chain management to customer service and product recommendations.  AI-driven algorithms improve the accuracy of product recommendations, enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales. Additionally, AI optimizes inventory management, reducing costs and improving delivery times.

Similar examples are Uber and their GPS technology, McDonald’s partnering with IBM to leverage AI and automation, and Johnson and Johnson working with Google to develop advanced surgical robots. 

 

Key Factors for Collaboration

Business and technology are transactional at their core–there is no denying that. They make up a well-oiled function machine with an input and an output. But in 2024, people are looking for something more meaningful and want the relationship with business and technology to be more and to do more. 

Hicks believes it’s important to make business and technology more collaborative rather than transactional, and here is why: 

Investing time and resources in building strong interpersonal relationships between business and technology stakeholders. Strong relationships enhance collaboration by creating a foundation of trust and mutual support, making it easier to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.

In addition, aligning technology in the workplace with overall business goals is a way to allow the two to collaborate more efficiently to help companies achieve those goals. 

 

Leveraging Technology to Foster Innovation and Growth

Businesses primarily utilize technology in the workplace to stimulate new ideas and progress. When people use technology meaningfully with a goal, wonderful things happen. Ultimately, the business and the employees are getting a piece of the pie. 

Businesses, such as Hicks’, leverage technology to foster innovation and growth. He shares his experience: 

Inspiredu has adopted tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom to improve team collaboration and communication.  Enhanced collaboration tools enable more efficient teamwork, particularly in remote or hybrid work environments. This can lead to increased outreach to volunteers and more innovative solutions.

A few more examples of a business and technology partnership in action in other companies include: 

• Google Analytics provides valuable data on website performance and user behavior, helping teams identify trends and opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Oculus for Business offers VR training, collaboration, and visualization solutions, enabling teams to explore new ideas and concepts in immersive environments.
• Zoom (as most of us are aware) provides high-quality video conferencing that enables remote teams to communicate effectively, share ideas, and collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world.

 

The Role of Leadership in Facilitating a Partnership Approach

Leadership plays a pivotal role in facilitating a partnership between business and technology. Leaders drive successful partnerships by openly communicating, aligning strategic goals, and empowering their teams. With leaders leading the way, others can get on board and navigate changes. Integrating technology as a collaborative piece in business ensures growth and a competitive advantage. 

Hicks explains how he uses leadership in his company to facilitate a partnership between business and technology.

At Inspiredu, I work very hard to accomplish that. A collaborative culture encourages business and technology teams to work together seamlessly, breaking down silos and promoting cross-functional teamwork. This cultural shift is essential for leveraging technology to achieve business objectives. By fostering an environment where open communication and mutual respect are prioritized, we ensure that all team members feel valued and heard, which enhances their engagement and productivity.

 

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

With new technology or any change in the workplace comes challenges. It is crucial to have a strategic plan for overcoming these challenges so they don’t hinder the overall objective. 

Hicks is knowledgeable on what common challenges there are with integrating technology into an operation. He’s dealt with challenges in this area firsthand in his own business and knows how to overcome them. 

To overcome this, businesses should invest in change management strategies. This includes clear communication about the benefits of the new technology, providing training and support to ease the transition, and involving employees in the implementation process to gain their buy-in. 

At Inspiredu, we have proactively addressed these challenges by incorporating tools like Salesforce, Teams, Zoom, and now Slack. These technologies are not just about improving efficiency; they are also about encouraging outside-the-box thinking. By facilitating better communication, collaboration, and data management, these tools help us to adapt and innovate continuously.  Providing thorough training and support for these platforms has been key to easing the transition for our team. Additionally, by involving employees in the selection and implementation processes, we have been able to gain their buy-in and foster a sense of ownership and enthusiasm for these new technologies. This approach ensures that Inspiredu can continue to grow and fulfill its mission effectively.

In an article in the Harvard Business Review, the author states that utilizing your top “change influencers” when buy-in is needed can help promote buy-in. They also state that giving employees responsibilities regarding the change, visibility supporting the change around the business, and establishing a “neutral change facilitator” can help. 

 

Aligning with Long-Term Strategic Goals

Ultimately, businesses’ new technology investments must align with long-term strategic goals. Why else would a company commit to such an investment if not? 

Hicks says, 

Inspiredu has a long-term strategic plan, and we work to create an IT strategy that is closely aligned with the overall business strategy. This involves identifying how technology can support business objectives, outlining key initiatives, and setting clear priorities. We also regularly review and update the IT strategy to reflect changing business goals and technological advancements.

He also shares the advantages of viewing the relationship between business and technology as a partnership rather than solely a transactional exchange (which is another way to earn buy-in if employees understand this). 

Partnerships ensure technology initiatives are closely aligned with business objectives.  By working together, business and technology teams can develop and execute strategies that support long-term goals, leading to more effective and relevant technology investments.

 

Conclusion

In today’s digital landscape, the relationship between business and technology is deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing. The rapid evolution of technology, particularly the rise of AI, has transformed how businesses operate, compete, and deliver value. Leaders play a pivotal role in fostering this partnership by promoting open communication, aligning strategic goals, and empowering teams. By viewing technology as a partner rather than a transactional tool, businesses can drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and achieve sustainable growth. Embracing this symbiotic relationship is essential for staying competitive and creating a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.