Advancing to a CIO or CTO executive position might seem thrilling
at first, but then after a few months it hits you. The weight of the responsibility, the
awakening stress levels, and the frustrations of getting everyone to move with
the technology start to resemble the perfect storm. Second thoughts about taking an executive
position start to squash the initial excitement and the vision of what you
wanted to accomplish. Don’t let it get
you off course. Here is what I call the
three C’s that young and successful CIOs must master very early in their
tenure: communicate, collaborate, and concentrate.
Communicate. The
transmission of information is the center of the CIO universe. We can make our systems do this easily
enough, but we’re not always good at it.
Geeking out on technology is what people expect from us, but it’s not
how they want us to talk to them. They
also don’t want to be insulted by ‘bringing it down to their level.’ A CIO must find that middle ground with communication
that is informative without sounding like an alien, yet practical so the
listener finds application in what you are communicating. And since I mentioned the listener, spend half
your time listening. This will
necessarily involve making yourself available, even to the point of seeking out
those who avoid you. Establish a strong
and frequented avenue for communication.
Collaborate.
Establish strong collaborative relationships within your company, especially
with key players. This is not political
positioning. It is checking yourself to
ensure you are fitting in with the corporate culture and cooperating with the strategic
direction. This also doesn’t mean you
can’t have differing opinions.
Collaboration means that at the end of the discussion, even in a room of
broad opinions, we find common ground and we move forward together.
Concentrate. Focus on
the value you bring to the company. The company
leadership expects you to be the expert and the strategic innovator for all
things information systems and technology.
CIOs need to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. Our industry moves very quickly. We can’t afford to lose pace. Among all the noise and the full calendar of
meetings, find time to get yourself caught up.
Refresh your knowledge base by reading up on the latest industry information
and trends, going to seminars, taking classes, joining a local CIO group, or
getting more involved with discussions among the experts on your technical and
management teams.
Mastering the art of communicating effectively,
collaborating with key team members, and concentrating on your profession will
create a solid and lasting career as a CIO.
