Crafting IT innovation strategies for real-world value

Jeff Dirks is fascinated by new technologies like generative AI. But when it comes to implementation, the chief information and technology officer of workforce augmentation firm TrueBlue chooses a path that trails early adopters. "We're in the early majority," is the CIO/CTO's blunt self-assessment. Although many IT leaders would like to think of themselves -- and have others think of them -- as in the vanguard of new technology adoption, the vast majority find themselves in the middle of a bell curve, with innovators leading the way and laggards trailing behind, according to Everett Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory [see chart]. But there is no one "right" place to be along the curve.