Building a Resilient TBM Team
Skills and Strategies for TBM Success
In today’s dynamic business landscape, Technology Business Management (TBM) is more than a framework; it’s a discipline that thrives when supported by a skilled, resilient team. Building a capable TBM team requires a balance of technical, analytical, and collaborative skills to navigate evolving business and technology needs. Success in TBM hinges not only on technical knowledge but also on fostering problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic alignment within the team. In this post, we’ll explore the core skills needed for a high-performing TBM team and the strategies for building and sustaining a resilient team that drives long-term value.
Core Skills for a High-Performing TBM Team
Technical Proficiency in TBM Tools and Certifications: Strong technical expertise is foundational for a TBM team, with relevant certifications demonstrating proficiency in TBM tools, financial management, and cost transparency. Team members should be adept in data integration and analysis, financial metrics, and reporting processes.
Data Literacy and Storytelling: TBM practitioners must be proficient in relational databases, Excel, and data visualization, but data literacy goes beyond technical skills. The ability to tell a compelling story with data is crucial, as it enables the team to translate complex data into insights that stakeholders can understand and act on, showcasing the value of TBM initiatives.
Business Acumen and Financial Understanding: TBM is where technology meets finance. Team members need a solid grasp of budgeting, cost modeling, and business operations to effectively link technology investments to organizational goals. This skill set allows the team to align technology costs with tangible business outcomes.
Problem-Solving and Data Workarounds: TBM often requires working with imperfect or incomplete data, and team members need to creatively work around these challenges to deliver actionable insights. Strong problem-solving skills help team members overcome data limitations, identify value-driving opportunities, and make strategic recommendations, even when ideal data isn’t available.
Adaptability and Technological Evolution: Technology is constantly evolving, and TBM practitioners must be open to learning new tools and adapting to emerging technologies. This adaptability allows the team to stay relevant and effective as new technology trends and tools reshape the landscape of IT financial management.
Skills and Traits of Effective TBM Leaders and TBM Analysts
• TBM Leaders:
• Strategic Vision: TBM leaders must connect the dots between technology, finance, and business goals, setting a strategic vision that aligns with organizational priorities.
• Influence, Evangelizing, and Communication: Leaders need strong communication skills to bridge gaps across departments, evangelizing TBM principles and value across the organization. By effectively articulating TBM’s impact, leaders inspire buy-in and ensure TBM is seen as a critical business driver.
• Decision-Making and Accountability: Effective TBM leaders make informed decisions with confidence and maintain accountability for the team’s objectives. They understand when to prioritize speed and when accuracy is crucial, balancing both to meet strategic goals.
• TBM Analysts (Individual Contributors):
• Technical Expertise: TBM Analysts should have hands-on proficiency with TBM tools, such as Apptio, and strong data analysis skills, including Excel and database knowledge.
• Analytical Mindset and Attention to Detail: TBM Analysts must analyze data critically, focusing on both macro and micro elements to ensure thorough, actionable insights.
• Collaborative Approach: Successful TBM Analysts work effectively within cross-functional teams, displaying strong interpersonal skills and openness to feedback from other departments.
Strategies for Building and Maintaining a Resilient TBM Team
Invest in Training and Professional Development: Equip team members with ongoing training in TBM tools, financial reporting, and data analysis. Offering opportunities for relevant certifications keeps team skills current and adaptable to emerging TBM practices.
Foster a Culture of Knowledge Sharing: A resilient TBM team is one that learns together. By encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and experiences, you build a stronger, more collaborative team that can tackle challenges together and bridge knowledge gaps.
Encourage Cross-Departmental Learning: TBM thrives on collaboration between IT, finance, and business units. Encourage TBM team members to spend time with finance or IT departments to deepen their understanding of organizational needs. For example, shadowing a finance or IT colleague can provide insights into each department’s processes, workflows, and challenges, enhancing cross-functional collaboration.
Identify and Deliver Quick Wins: To build momentum and gain early recognition, focus on delivering quick wins—whether it’s improving a reporting process or simplifying data visualization. Early successes instill confidence in the team, foster trust with stakeholders, and create a foundation for continued progress and engagement.
Establish a Steering Committee or Mentorship Program: Forming a steering committee with representatives from IT, finance, and business units can help align TBM priorities with organizational goals. Additionally, mentorship programs connect newer TBM team members with seasoned mentors, supporting knowledge transfer and continuous improvement.
The Benefits of a Strong TBM Team
Enhanced Strategic Alignment: A well-rounded TBM team is more adept at aligning technology investments with business objectives, ensuring that technology spending drives measurable value across the organization.
Improved Decision-Making and Flexibility: Equipped with strong technical and financial skills, a resilient TBM team can make informed decisions that support changing priorities and promote agile, data-driven responses.
Increased Resilience and Morale: By building a team culture of learning, recognition, and shared success, TBM teams are better prepared for challenges and stay motivated over the long term. Quick wins further boost morale, reinforcing the value and effectiveness of the team’s efforts.
Conclusion
Building a resilient TBM team requires a commitment to developing the right mix of skills, fostering continuous learning, and embedding TBM as a collaborative discipline. With strong technical expertise, data storytelling, and an understanding of business needs, TBM teams can deliver sustained value and strategic alignment across the organization. When TBM is fully embedded as a practice, the team becomes a catalyst for alignment, transparency, and long-term success.