How do you handle situations where a stakeholder's IT request has significant political backing, but you believe it misaligns with strategic goals? Any tips for making sure your rejection is understood to be a constructive decision rather than a personal or political stance?

It's important to have a clear understanding of the organization's priorities and to involve the right stakeholders in discussions. By engaging product owners and sponsors, you can ensure that decisions are made collaboratively and transparently. This approach helps mitigate political pressures and aligns actions with strategic goals.

When faced with a politically backed request, I first check how it aligns with the organization's goals set at the beginning of the year. These priorities are shared with all team members and entered into our systems. If the request doesn't align, I involve product owners and sponsors in discussions to seek their guidance. It's crucial to understand their perspective and explore potential trade-offs if the request needs to be pursued despite misalignment.

Before approaching my manager, I often consult colleagues who might have a deeper understanding of the political landscape within the organization. This helps me gather context and insights that might not be immediately visible. While my manager has a broad view, doing my homework ensures I am informed before seeking her advice. Ultimately, it's about understanding the organization's dynamics and leveraging relationships to navigate these situations effectively.

Navigating politically backed requests can be tricky. I rely on my CIO, who supports our team and understands the value we bring. If a request has political stature, it might be above my pay grade, or even his. I would approach him for support and share my reasoning on why the request might not be as valuable as others on our list. He might have insights that I am not aware of, and together we can decide whether to proceed or not. It's essential to have backing from leadership when dealing with politically sensitive matters.