What are Tactics and Methodologies in Developing IT and Business Relationship?

Both the senior leadership team and the CIO are clear in what needs to achieve in terms of top line, bottom line and working in tandem with other departments to achieve IT goal. So what are the tactics and methodologies in developing IT & business partner relationship?
IT oversights business processes, and it also plays pivotal role in digitalizing key business processes. In the process the need to align all the departments is not lost sight of, but the next big thing is how to sustain and grow as well as keep the momentum going. The challenge should be met comfortably by identifying areas that need improvement, looking for new avenues of revenue, better practice etc. The team having tasted success does not want to rest on its laurels. They aimed big.
IT leaders need to have mind shifted from IT as a cost center to value creator: They have to develop a good understanding of the business, the marketing mix and its financials, and how past and current decisions have impacted the business. So when leadership team sitz to discuss about business strategy in business term, you are not lagging behind and you can make good contribution to the matter at hand, also provides vision on how IT can catalyze business growth. Secondly, do a thorough analysis of IT activities, programs and policies in terms of cost optimization, and their contribution in maximizing shareholders benefit, particularly developing IT programs which have direct link with increasing revenue grow. At least the mindset changed from a cost center to value creator. Building reputation and gaining the trust by being able to understand their vision and talk in their terms. Focusing on the concept of value generation and  learning the latest digital trends and ride above the learning curve.
All senior leaders must know the business and work collaboratively to drive business results. IT leaders shall consider themselves a business professional with in-depth or T-shaped knowledge in the IT area. Whatever business you are in - take the time to really learn that business - or you will always just be the IT guy or gal - and never be part of the senior leadership team making strategic level decisions. IT has a very strong impact on the flow of the operation because information is the lifeblood of business nowadays, it is not being singled out, it is being concurrent with senior management. Besides people, information is the most invaluable asset which can drive progress of a business, and all forward-thinking organizations cross sectors claim they are in the information management business at digital age.
IT should continue to brainstorm with business leaders about strategic concerns: What concerns you about the business today? What concerns you about the business in the future? Then, seek to identify and offer solutions. it's important to really listen to top leaders during discussions about strategy development. Many times they could be looking for solutions they don't know you can provide. Ask questions and listen. Questions on (1) The priorities of senior executives of the company, (2) Key business processes and systems that are well developed and not well developed, (3) how their group works with other groups, any friction (4) their view of the company strategies and the strategies in their group, (5) Organizational capabilities that exist and the need to be developed, both for necessity and competitive advantage. (6) how they believe decisions are made and how they make them -how can IT help provide the right information to the right people to make the right decision. (7) how they measure success, and then pull together the thoughts on the gaps, priorities, disconnects, and needs that exist across the organizations.
IT leaders are culture evangelist: Not only IT can innovate the “hard” elements such as processes of organization, but also it can play an important role in revitalizing the “soft” element such as corporate culture, because it can well integrate social platform with other business processes to harness cross-functional communication and collaboration. It will translate the impact of culture on the bottom line, such as productivity, engagement, customer and employee satisfaction, and the list goes on; at topline, it is also elevating the role of culture within the strategy and making it a strategic pillar.
IT will be welcomed to the executive table if executives hear the language they understand - the language which is the most beneficial to the company's future - financial results, not just for short term result, but for long term prospect. By doing this, IT can change from being perceived as a cost-based transaction department, and more of a strategic partner to the business. Be the leader to co-create the strategic planning with the goal of clarifying direction for the whole company to follow. Aligning people, process and technology with the company’s strategic plan propels your company far in front of your competition.
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