Procedures, Standards, Automation, Linear Processes – this terminology essentially defines the field of IT and suggests, no more and no less, an image of rigidity, mathematics, logic and rationality. But aren’t these attributes also present in other aspects of our lives?
The answer is a complex one, but it leads to a clear NO. Scientific research shows that our decisions are deeply influenced by our emotions, but we prefer to believe that we are highly rational. However, this article will not focus on that discussion, but aims to put a practical and positive spin on these IT ‘rigidities’.
In the following, we will use the term “Atomic Habits”, inspired by James Clear’s book of the same name, to illustrate how they define personality at the individual level, but also at the company level.
One habit is the notion of prevention, a concept we also apply to the IT services we offer. James Clear tells us in his book that small habits can have a significant impact on our lives. This philosophy can be successfully applied in the world of information technology, especially in terms of IT infrastructure management and cyber security. The bottom line is that in order to create sustainable habits, it is important to focus on small, incremental progress rather than trying radical changes that are likely to fail.
Here are some concrete examples:
Automation: The atomic approach to IT management involves automating repetitive tasks such as software updates or managing backups. Automation reduces human error and increases efficiency.
Continuous monitoring and analysis: Similar to the concepts in “Atomic Habits,” constant monitoring of IT infrastructure performance helps identify SMALL problems before they become BIG ones. An early warning system can prevent major malfunctions.
Culture of continuous improvement: Promoting a culture of continuous improvement in your organisation is similar to promoting good habits. This may involve regular feedback, post-event reviews and adaptability to technological change.
To maintain data integrity and protect against cyber threats, we can adopt the following habits:
Strong passwords and two-step authentication: Small changes, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-step authentication, can make all the difference in protecting your data.
Regular software updates and patches: Just as we develop healthy habits to maintain our health, regular software updates and patches keep our systems secure against cyber threats.
Security education and awareness: As in “Atomic Habits,” regular security education and awareness can form a habit of avoiding online pitfalls and threats.
How do we, LifeinCloud, ensure that these principles become second nature to any customer?
The “Make it easy” principle: To create a new habit, it’s important to make it as easy as possible. We have invested in automating some tasks with easy-to-use solutions.
The “Make it like it” principle: By automating, we increase efficiency and save time, which we use for both educational and fun purposes.
The “Make it visible” principle: To be more motivated to follow a habit, it is important to make it visible. We create dashboards and reports that help us monitor the functionality and security of an IT system, and our customers receive real-time information.
The “Make it social” principle: We take pride in our results and are not modest with our achievements, and our customers support us.
IT infrastructure management requires constant and consistent approaches, similar to the principles in “Atomic Habits.” Small changes, applied systematically, can lead to significant increases in the efficiency and security of IT systems. In this way, we can ensure a healthier and safer digital working environment for both organisations and users.
