From my experiences as a tech and digital leader, I understand that sparking #innovation between IT and business teams often requires setting a collaborative environment with shared vision/ goals that foster mutual understanding. You can start by setting workshops where both teams come together to brainstorm around specific business challenges. Setting shared goals will assist IT teams to focus where their work directly impacts business outcomes, fostering more innovative and relevant contributions #ValueCreation . Regular communication is again key: have IT and business teams participating in joint sprint reviews. Seeing the progress on business and tech projects in the same room promotes understanding and helps align priorities.

Appoint liaisons: Designate individuals from each department to act as communication bridges, translating goals and technical aspects between teams. Workshops and training: Host joint workshops where both teams can learn about each other's workflows, enabling a more informed collaboration. Innovation forums: Create dedicated forums for brainstorming and open dialogue, allowing both IT and business units to contribute to innovation. Set shared KPIs: Establish common performance metrics to unite both teams around shared objectives, aligning efforts with business goals.

In the past, I’ve fostered positive communication between IT & other business units by establishing regular cross-departmental meetings focused on open dialogue & idea-sharing. I created a structured yet flexible framework where IT teams could learn about business needs firsthand, while other units gained insights into technical capabilities & constraints. By encouraging collaborative brainstorming sessions, often involving use cases from various departments, I helped both sides see the mutual benefits of innovative solutions. Recognizing contributions & quick wins fostered a culture of respect and alignment, driving innovative initiatives across the entire organization.

Regular touchpoints are crucial for alignment. Consider implementing a rhythm of the business (ROB) framework, scheduling strategic, tactical, & operational meetings. This creates a cadence for communication, ensuring both IT & business stay in sync. Remember, it's not just about quantity - quality matters too. Make these touchpoints meaningful by setting clear agendas & action items.