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 Commentary
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Email article
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Partner vs. Vendor
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By John Miller
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The PursuIT
The acclaimed film The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, follows the real-life journey of Chris Gardner (Smith) from rock bottom to an unlikely and inspiring resurrection in the brokerage world.
Watching it led me to consider the concept of happiness. What is happiness? What are its leading causes? Once we have it, is it hard to keep? And, what is its place in the world of IT – does it have one?
Thomas Jefferson included "the pursuit of happiness" in our Declaration of Independence. Gardner stated that when he reads these words, he wonders: "Were they written this particular way to acknowledge that happiness is never truly achieved, only pursued?"
Can this be accurate? In our professional world, does this ring true?
THERE IS NO "I" IN "HAPPYNESS"
No, that's not a typo. I know that "happiness" is really spelled with an "i." But in the movie, Gardner sees that the children in his son's daycare spelled it with a "y" on the mural they painted, so he used that version in the title of his book.
I like that spelling for a specific reason: because happiness cannot be achieved independently. It's only felt when shared; both by impacting someone or something, or when accomplished in the company (and help) of others. There's no "I" in true happiness.
In the professional world, while individuals can apply the passion needed to achieve a successful outcome, the execution can only be achieved with the collective effort of many.
THERE IS "I.T." IN "PURSUIT"
Those who live and work in the world of IT, and who desire to transform the business, recognize that the pursuit of a better way is a constant goal. IT plays a powerful role in impacting the happiness of your end users, your company, and your business clients.
For end users, this happiness comes from providing a workforce with the peace of mind that IT is always "on." This enables them to be more productive with simple access to information, and the ability to collaborate and share information with ease. For your company, it comes from being better positioned to compete, reducing costs, and ensuring compliances are met or exceeded. For business clients, it comes from enhanced delivery of services and information, as well as a working relationship they just can't get anywhere else.
Pursuing a better way means never resting on "what is" today; rather, focusing on "what should be" tomorrow. Elite IT departments tirelessly pursue this philosophy. Continuous technology innovations let companies scale their infrastructures to better fit the needs of clients and end users. Policies, procedures, and structures require constant re-evaluation to ensure they fit today and scale for tomorrow. Strategic IT partnerships should not only fit your strategy but also influence it.
Of course, re-evaluation of these things doesn't mean your previous choices were wrong. Rather, it helps you pursue good decisions as you move forward. Wrong choices can and will be made along the way, but if you quickly acknowledge mistakes you can keep the pursuit active and keep moving forward.
THERE IS ALWAYS A BETTER WAY
We all recognize that at a personal level, happiness can be achieved. But it isn't given; it's chosen – an outcome of exhibiting positive and correct behavior. I believe happiness can also be achieved in the professional world. The important thing is to not take it for granted and realize that it can always be enhanced.
Recognizing the stakeholders, both internal and external, will enhance your pursuit, as will surrounding yourself with the right people. Happiness is therefore achieved through your partnership with the right strategy, the right teammates, and the right business partner.
Yes, IT business partners play a large role. Ask yourself some primary questions: Does your current IT business partner help you accomplish things that would otherwise seem impossible? Do they provide experiences you can't live without? Do they match your passion and level of innovation? Do they introduce alternative solutions that align with your goals? In answering these questions, anything less than a "yes" classifies them as a vendor not a partner.
Remember, it all starts with passion. Choose to want to continuously search for a better way. And then keep raising the bar. The best in IT exhibit this passion every day. Your partners should, too. Raise the bar together – and achieve your successes faster.
Then, don't be surprised how happy that makes you.
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