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CMS TrendWatch, by Tony Byrne
Tony Byrne is founder and lead analyst of CMS Watch. See More by Tony Byrne Avoiding Failure: The Better Part of IT Valor?
It felt confessional to explain to a friend the other day that typically my greatest value as a consultant comes from helping enterprises avoid making a big mistake. Usually the looming mistake is selecting the wrong software for their needs. That just doesn't sound as triumphant as "restored them to profitability," or "instituted a fabulously successful publishing regimen." So I was heartened to read a Financial Times reprint by noted UK consultant Graham Oakes called "There's no success like failure..." (pdf). The gist of the article is that enterprises do well to experiment and fail, as long as they learn the right lessons. But I think Oakes speaks to a fundamental truth about IT when he opines, "Success comes from avoiding unnecessary failure." How do you sense an avoidable failure? Oakes lists several opportunities, including paying more attention to "what is really going on" and "what is actually possible." Do that, and you might obviate the need for an outside consultant... Tony Byrne is founder and lead analyst at CMS Watch. Write him at tbyrne@cmswatch.com.  E-MAIL | SLASHDOT | DIGG This is a public forum. CMP Technology and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. CMP Technology makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers. Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of CMP Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in CMP Technology's Terms of Service. Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business.
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