Sounds very simple. Develop a business strategy to drive the IT strategy. The IT strategy then becomes the enabler of achieving the business strategy. Maintain and adjust this alignment throughout the year as the marketplace dictates.

Why do so may companies struggle to maintain the bridge between the two strategies?

Some of our fact based experiences:

A seat at the table - IT Managers are not involved in the strategic planning process

Communication - Business leaders are uncomfortable discussing technical matters

Communication - IT Managers are unprepared to discuss business matters

Culture - Department level silos exist which prohibit integration of systems

Culture - Hidden IT exists due to a lack of responsiveness by the IT department