When is enough, enough... or is it?

I guess that all depends on what we're talking about, context is important.

I've been having some issues with my car over the past few months, nothing hugely serious, but enough to get under my skin. There are few things that get me annoyed, a historically reliable and consistent service / device / experience that suddenly lets me down... is one.  It is also starting to get on in years (13 to be precise...), so maybe it's time to make a change.

So, what to do... there are always options...

1. Upgrade - Trade it in for a newer model - lots of that happening nowadays...
2. Fix it - It's paid for... so really doesn't cost me much. Why not drop some cash on getting things sorted?
3. Do without it - We have a large family (4 kids) so we have another vehicle, we live a couple of blocks from the school and my office is not that far away... how about I sell it, use the cash for something else? Public transport, which is improving where I live, and Uber could see me sorted right?

...but how do I make the right decision?

Back to context I suppose? We all have many influences that would direct a decision like this, some more influential than others, but many none-the-less. It would be silly for me to take my decision (No. 2) and put that out there as the best (or only) solution in this situation.

• I have some experience with cars and people I trust to fill in the gaps
• I can call on friends in finance to help with the implications on my budget and asset value over time
• I can talk to my family, considering their wellbeing and our way of life
• I have dreams and aspirations (that do not involve cars) to consider

Truth is, there are likely many that would have decided on 1 or 2 and even more that would have come up with their own and innovative idea around solving this problem given their particular circumstances. One things is for sure, the vast majority would make a calculated decision weighing the influences of our particular circumstances and the input of those around us.

I'm not the oldest guy around, but I have been in the IT industry a while. In that time I've worked for IT Services organizations and corporates alike, even running my own IT Services business for a number of years, and I'm currently looking after Consulting and Professional Services portfolios in my current role. Time and again I see companies making decisions on IT spend without due consideration to the particular influences they are facing (or about to be facing), or without taking on board the input of those who are better positioned or versed in the technology landscape. I know I've been at fault in this regard over the years.

I've learned, in my own private life, to make better decisions by leaning on the expertise of others and ensuring I look at things in context. After all, I cannot know it all and shouldn't feel the need to. I most certainly shouldn't feel the need to make decisions in isolation to prove my value. My value to my organisation, and my family, is to ensure that the correct decision is made, at the right time and to the best conceivable outcome.

When it comes to IT spend, specifically technology refresh, there are so many variables and influences at play. Technology moves and changes faster and faster, it is difficult enough for industry experts to get it right and it's their fulltime occupation. Then there is the economic environment and competitive landscape dictating very prudent spending, all the while pressuring businesses to adapt or face becoming irrelevant.

Finding a partner that can bring guidance and the appropriate expertise to the table at decision time (or better still continually), through engaged planning and technology roadmaps can make all the difference. It's not the easiest thing to get right, but it can be done. Once the correct partner is found and a good working relationship is developed, each party can get on with doing what they love and for which they are best positioned…

…to ensure that the correct decision is made, at the right time and to the best conceivable outcome.