3 Signs your IT team needs a strategic reset!
Is Your IT Team in a Funk? Here Are 3 Signs It Might Be Time for a Strategic Reset
Today, I want to talk about team functionality—specifically, those moments when something just feels off. Maybe you're not seeing the productivity you expect on a day-to-day basis. Deadlines slip, priorities get blurred, and communication feels strained. Or perhaps you're noticing more last-minute absences and a general lack of energy. These could be signs that your IT team isn’t just struggling—they may need a strategic reset.
1. Tension Is Rising in Team Interactions
You’ve noticed shorter tempers and rising frustration during team calls—especially when discussing ongoing projects or tasks. What used to be constructive collaboration now feels tense or reactive, signaling deeper issues in communication and morale.
2. Core Processes Are Slipping
Processes that were once second nature—completed with precision and pride—are now getting missed or overlooked. These breakdowns are creating ripple effects, impacting end users and eroding the reliability your team was known for.
3. Concerns Are Coming from Other Leaders
You’re starting to hear from other members of the executive team that some employees just don’t seem as engaged or dependable as they once were. When performance shifts become noticeable outside your department, it’s a clear sign something systemic may be going on.
Frustration within a team can stem from many sources, but one of the most common is project or change fatigue. This often occurs when employees feel overwhelmed by a constant pace of change or the perception that there's no breathing room between initiatives. Team members may find themselves working long hours, only to see their efforts discarded, underutilized, or misaligned with overall goals. This leads to disengagement and inefficiency.
To address this, it's essential to reset how you manage both your team and your time.
Prioritize effectively. Ensure the right projects and tasks are moving forward—and that they are carried through to completion. Your role as a leader is not just to delegate but to actively support your team by removing roadblocks and serving as a reliable resource.
Plan with intention. Build realistic timelines for projects and communicate them clearly across all levels of the organization. Alignment—both horizontally across teams and vertically with leadership—is key to managing expectations and delivering results.
Communicate consistently. Provide your team with clear documentation that outlines priorities, responsibilities, key contacts, and delivery dates. This can be done through simple spreadsheets or workflow management tools—what matters is that expectations are clearly defined and accessible.
Reinforce foundational processes. Ensure that all core procedures are documented, consistently executed, and regularly reviewed. Operational excellence starts with repeatable, reliable processes.
Foster a culture of pride and ownership. Encourage your team to take pride in their work and lead by example—your attitude will set the tone. When employees see that quality and craftsmanship matter to leadership, they're far more likely to follow suit.
Protect time to recharge. Make sure your team is taking adequate breaks and using their time off. Rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for sustained performance and continued learning.
Finally, remember that any change must begin with you. Take ownership of the challenges within your team and reflect on what adjustments you need to make as a leader. Resetting your team starts with resetting your own mindset and practices.
Whether you're leading an IT organization directly or overseeing it as a CFO, Founder, or CEO, knowing when to pause and recalibrate can make all the difference. If you're seeing signs that your team may need a strategic reset, I invite you to connect. Visit www.turningpointadvisory.net or reach out to me directly on LinkedIn—I'm here to help you realign your team for long-term success.
