2020 Michigan IT Symposium Breakout Session
"Never Waste a Good Crisis" - Lessons learned working in crisis mode
Presenters: Dush Fernando, Sanam Arab, Jean Arnold & Cathy Curley | LSA TS

We have all read and heard of agility as the panacea for innovative IT organizations positioned to respond to ever-changing customer needs. Only a few had experienced it up until now. This is because traditional IT organizations are built to provide consistent, repeatable, predictable experiences rooted in well-orchestrated processes, practices, and procedures. These rigid structures are at odds when it comes to rapid response to the changing needs of our customers. Working through the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging experiences we have faced in our lifetime. We were all forced to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances to maintain business continuity; And we did with flying colors! LSA Technology Services Team was awarded the Outstanding Staff Team Award by the college in recognition of the contributions to the college at a time of challenging need. 

This facilitated panel discussion will address some of our experiences that led to positive outcomes for our students, faculty, and staff. We will address the endless possibilities of remote work, new structures for faster decision making and communications, the necessity to continue to innovate at times of rapid change, and speed to market with new products and services.