CHAPTER 22
Better Use of the Intranet
Many organizations are failing to make the big leap forward in their use of the intranet because the senior management team (SMT) has failed to recognize its significance to the company’s universe.
The intranet is now too important to leave it solely in the hands of the information technology team, as it is one of the most important tools to secure competitive advantage.
For example, a child described a home page as the center of a solar system, with information revolving around it. That kid will go far. That is exactly what it is for your organization, even if you may not have a very big solar system yet.
Your Intranet Should Be a Spider’s Web
Nature teaches us many lessons. It is a shame we are so slow to learn. An organization, to excel, needs to build its intranet modeled on the garden spider’s web. Let me explain.
The spider knows that the web must let the wind through yet catch all passing insects. Your intranet must trap all meaningful data yet let the “flotsam” pass through.
The spider, when building the web, connects to all available support structures. Your intranet needs to capture all aspects of your organization in order to be the one-stop shop for all your employees.
Spiders are constantly rebuilding their web throughout the night; your intranet likewise should be repaired, and linkages improved, on a daily basis.
The spider’s web operates 24/7, just as your intranet should. Staff should be able to access their work so they can finish ...
