Dear board of directors at large...

You don’t know what you don’t know.

Decisions are never meant to be made in a void, and information alone isn’t education. Wisdom is the pool in which information and context swim together.

Very few board members have technology experience. Less than 10% have technology subcommittees from which to draw.

What is a board to do?

Boards need technology input to help them ACT now in three areas:

Analysis

It is only through analysis of data findings, coupled with information and context, that provide boards with insight for business opportunity decisions.

Clarity

Cyber security and risk, regulatory issues and industry disruptions are a sea of waves that refuse to be corralled. Information changes; solutions are constantly evolving; the unexpected is more frequent.

These are contextual issues that serve as parameters for sound decisions.

Transformation

Information and context provide boards with transformation initiatives regarding growth and innovation. Understanding the future role of technology, conviction strengthens around the whole enterprise of customer experience. Seeing a whole picture, they are also able to make informed decisions when tasked regarding essential talent and acquisition.

Dear board: appoint the technologist.