FCW Insider: Why early adopters most often fail

Many early adopters only have themselves to blame if their ideas don’t catch on in their agency, says one reader.

Marty Nemzow, from Miami, was responding to a recent column by FCW honcho David Rapp. “There is nothing to fear and much to gain by adopting some of the characteristics of the early adopter mind-set,” Rapp wrote.

But a good mind-set is not enough, writes Nemzow.

The onus on pushing the agenda for early adoption (e.g. change) falls squarely on the technical geek who must communicate a rationale to overcome cultural, technical, and cover-your-ass traditionalism. No matter the job role and position in the organizational hierarchy, the failure to communicate invalidates even the best technical advice. Any failure to make a point that resonates with a decision-maker is a basic failure for that job role. Making change is job 1.

Meanwhile, be sure to check out April 6 cover article on “5 secrets of leading-edge technology adopters,” which features Aneesh Chopra, slated to be the Obama administration’s chief technology officer.