When It Comes to the Cloud, the Problem Is People, Not Technology

While many companies are considering moving to the cloud, not all of them will go through with it.

The reason? People.

It’s easy to think that technology and strategy are what’s getting in the way of a successful cloud migration from legacy ecosystems. However, in actuality, it’s the people involved in these companies that are preventing that change from happening. The ones that are giving the CIO a million and one reasons why switching to the cloud is not the answer, despite the CIO having the company’s best interest at heart.

Excuses or Reasons?

If people are well aware that the cloud is the way to go, then why all the excuses? Occasionally, you’ll hear board members say, “We just can’t do it.” “I see why it’s important, but not now.” Or, “It’s too expensive.”

Organization leaders may come up with a bunch of “reasons” as to why they can’t move to the cloud today, tomorrow, or probably next year, too. If the CIO suggests hiring outsiders or a platform to help with the transition, the resistance might be even more prevalent. One reason could because organizations are unfamiliar with the idea or they are uncomfortable with the cost of the migration. Whatever it may be, it seems like those against cloud migration will use any number of these “reasons” to stand their ground.

Meanwhile, the CIO just sees these responses as excuses. The difference of opinion will of course make it very hard to get anything done. But, there is a way.

Convincing Those Who Don’t Agree

You know that getting your company to switch to the cloud won’t be an easy task. If you’re CIO, then you have a difficult road ahead of you. Dealing with people is much harder than overcoming technological or strategic obstacles. But, there’s hope. Convincing your organization why they should consider moving to the cloud can be done. It just takes time.

The first thing to do is to make sure you’re spending more time explaining the purpose of the migration and how it can be done. Likewise, you should try to avoid conversations that involve you being told why it shouldn’t. Be proactive and set up staff meetings where you can clearly outline the benefits of switching to the cloud, and how you can go about it in a way that won’t mean the company suffers losses. Outline the long term benefits vs. the short term fallbacks.

The next thing to do is focus on certain obstacles that you know are a concern for the company, but that only you may realize. We’re of course talking about security. Many companies like to think of security as something they can manage on a case by case basis. As CIO, you need to convince your organization the importance of security and how the cloud can prevent problems long term. You need to therefore walk the company through real-life scenarios. Demonstrate how the cloud would help fix each potential situation, and fill in the gaps where legacy ecosystems cannot.

Instilling the Right Attitude in Those Involved

It’s much easier to focus on the possible negative outcomes of a project then the positive ones. When people do this, they are standing in the way of potential achievement without even knowing they are doing so. When it comes to moving to the cloud, everyone involved needs to have the right attitude. Cross-functional teams need to work together to see how they can reach that end result, without dwelling on the “what-ifs.”

Ultimately, you need people to want to change. You need them to feel the change, and understand why it’s imperative to the growth of the company. When people are inspired, they feel more of an incentive to be positive and work hard. Your job as CIO is to instill this on those who see your vision, or at least want to do what they can to support it.

It’s not about technology and it’s not about strategy. It’s about getting people in your organization on the same page. As CIO, you first have to understand the organizational resistance and structure that’s preventing cloud migration (also known as people). Focus in on how to best approach those human obstacles so that cloud migration can happen.