I recall a time when I was selling IT services in Austin. We were in a professional building, attempting to conduct an assessment for a CPA firm. Typically, we ask the IT liaison to log in to the server (so we don’t know the password), allowing us to check updates, backups, storage, and other critical aspects. This helps us understand the network and develop a proposal. However, in this particular situation, the IT liaison left and went back to his desk. I overheard him pleading for the admin password so we could proceed with the assessment. The IT provider, however, refused to give him the password. Instead, the IT guy came over to log in for us and monitored our access to the information, clearly trying to protect his client from being taken away. It was an awkward situation, and ultimately, we didn’t secure the deal. It was evident that this company’s IT vendor was in control of the relationship. I call this a toxic professional relationship.
Many companies tolerate this kind of treatment from their IT vendors because they believe these providers know their systems inside out and fear the complications of switching IT companies. The mantra for these businesses often becomes, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” But the real question is: are you, as executives, trusted with your administrative passwords?
The Importance of Control
Having control over your administrative passwords is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you have the ultimate authority over your IT infrastructure. Without this control, you are at the mercy of your IT provider, which can lead to situations where you feel powerless and overly dependent. This dependency can be exploited, resulting in a toxic professional relationship where the IT vendor holds all the power.
Risks of Not Having Access
Not having access to your admin passwords can pose significant risks to your business. For instance, if you decide to switch IT providers, the transition can become a nightmare if the current provider is uncooperative. Additionally, in the event of an emergency where immediate access is required, not having the passwords can lead to critical delays and potential data loss.
Empowering Your Business
To avoid these risks, it is essential to establish a relationship with your IT provider based on trust and transparency. Ensure that you have access to all administrative passwords and that there are clear protocols in place for managing and updating these credentials. This not only empowers your business but also ensures that you are not overly dependent on any single vendor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being trusted with your administrative passwords is a fundamental aspect of maintaining control over your IT infrastructure. Don’t allow your business to be held hostage by an IT provider. Establish clear guidelines and ensure that you have the necessary access to manage your systems effectively. Remember, a healthy professional relationship with your IT vendor is built on mutual respect and transparency, not on dependency and control.