The success iceberg image is a fascinating illustration that answers a question many IAM professionals have in mind: “Why are some IAM programs so robust and mature, while others are not?” As an IAM professional, you might often find yourself putting out fires instead of focusing on more strategic work. However, with effective IAM program strategies, you can transform your Identity and Access Management (IAM) program and reduce the number of emergencies you face.
Breaking the Cycle: Effective IAM Program Strategies for Success
Effective Prioritization
In his classic book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Stephen Covey emphasizes the importance of working on important but not urgent tasks. This principle also applies to effective IAM teams. To disrupt the cycle of constantly putting out fires, focus on the following key factors:
Documentation
Ensure that proper design documentation is created and maintained for every new component, feature, and enhancement. Store these documents in a central, accessible location.
Planning
Regularly bring your team together (e.g., once a month) to plan, review KPIs, share knowledge, and align on priorities for tasks on the roadmap.
Automation
Remove manual steps wherever possible by developing self-service workflows and automating processes. Although the initial investment might be significant, the long-term benefits typically justify the costs.
Training & Development
Often neglected by IAM teams, training programs are essential in the rapidly evolving digital transformation era. Offer structured in-person or virtual classes, on-demand training programs, or paid subscriptions to training platforms. Incentivizing practitioners to complete training programs and certifications can also be effective.
By intentionally prioritizing these key factors, your IAM program can gradually become more mature and stable. This transformation will enable you to protect your organization’s assets more effectively while dealing with fewer emergencies on a regular basis.
Ready to transform your IAM program and achieve greater maturity? Our experienced team can help you prioritize the right factors, implement best practices, and guide you on the path to success.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how we can help your organization reach new heights in IAM program performance.
