The IT Governance Evangelist

Should IT managers become acquainted with formal project management methodologies? I was recently asked this question in an interview for an Insurance Networking News article entitled "IT Project Management Keeps the Business on Track." I answered yes, of course. But that is just tip the of the IT manager's education iceberg.

For years I have provided incentives to my managers to obtain Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. In addition to the applicability of the discipline in the day-to-day management of work, this knowledge creates a common understanding between IT Managers and Projects Managers. This understanding is a prerequisite to effective collaboration, which is critical to project success. This philosophy extends to other IT disciplines as well. I absolutely believe every process and function in IT is critical to IT Governance success so the more IT leaders know about them the better.

I am a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) because I recognize the ubiquitous nature of security in an IT environment. The three tenants of Information Security are confidentiality, integrity and availability. What in IT doesn't contribute to those principles? Though I have never held a position in a security organization I have greatly benefited from being on the same page as my security counterparts - who greatly contribute to the goals of IT Governance.

I obtained my ITIL® Foundation certification realizing ITIL is the premier framework for a service management approach to IT. The framework also contributes significantly to meeting many of the objectives of IT Governance.

I am a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Information System Security Association (ISSA), the current President of the itSMF (Information Technology Service Management Forum) San Francisco Local Interest Group, and a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), where the IT Governance Institute was born.

My certifications in these disciplines and my participation in their professional associations provides a wealth of knowledge and insight. This helps immeasurably in my ability to collaborate with groups in IT who often feel misunderstood, like Security, Operations, IT Audit and Project Managers.

I believe all IT Leaders would greatly benefit from being acquainted with these critical disciplines. The knowledge and insight would provide a fantastic foundation for mutual understanding, common values and goals, and stellar collaboration.

Readers, what certifications have you found to be valuable?

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