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Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Although it seems odd, many current chief information officers (CIOs) do not have extensive knowledge about databases, various technologies, and software programming. This may have been true in the past, but many CIOs lack technical expertise. Since technology is a vital component of most companies' business operations, CIOs spend most of their time collaborating with other managers to determine how better to utilize technology in their business functions.
Modern CIOs are responsible for determining how technology can cut their companies' expenses, increase revenue, and increase the efficiency of business operations. Many CIOs work with other executives to develop business strategy. Since technology is often central to a company's business objectives and competitiveness, many CIOs are responsible for providing instruction to other managers and employees about issues surrounding technology and its implementation in the workplace. The jobs of CIOs have transformed greatly in the last few years since they are more responsible for supervising and implementing changes rather than performing technical duties.
A Broadening Role
Many companies that are currently recruiting CIOs are not looking for managers with IT expertise; rather, they're seeking individuals with a well-rounded business background. In other words, they're looking for CIOs with the ability to handle and supervise important business functions. According to a survey of CIOs conducted by an industry magazine, CIOs identified leadership, strategic thinking, and communication as the most important skills a CIO can possess. Although these CIOs identified information technology as their main area of expertise, they also identified administration, consulting, and business operations as other areas they had experience in. In order to be an effective CIO, an individual must have the ability to motivate and teach others and be effective salespeople.
Moving Out of the Techie Box
IT specialists aspiring to work as a CIO must take steps to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective CIO, not just further develop their IT skills. According to one CIO, effective CIOs must have the ability to develop business strategy and manage projects, rather than program software and perform other technical functions.
Although understanding technology is important, CIOs are responsible for managing technical experts with more extensive technical skills and knowledge. CIOs must provide leadership and place technical experts in positions where they will excel. CIOs must also be effective project managers with the ability to effectively budget and solve complex problems.
Prepare to Become a CIO
The following is advice for aspiring CIOs:
1. When overseeing projects, demonstrate the ability to produce visible results.
2. Track and document project achievements and prepare a report detailing the objectives attained.
3. When a project is not going as planned, it's not always advisable to start over; rather, it's often better to develop strategies for maximizing results.
4. When discussing IT concepts and requirements, do so in a way that emphasizes how it will affect the company's business.
5. Demonstrate the ability to manage others, develop business strategy, and understand your company's business operations.
Effective CIOs must also have the ability to compromise, handle corporate bureaucracies, negotiate, and sale products and services.
Many former and current CIOs are not very confident in their ability to communicate ideas and negotiate with others, which can make the job very stressful and difficult. However, after acquiring some experience or completing some formal training, this can change. Since technology is a vital component for most organizations, CIOs are very valuable, and they are responsible for assisting other executives crafting business strategies and setting goals.
In fact, many chief executive officers assign their CIOs to determine how to best implement new business strategies and initiatives.
Modern CIOs are responsible for determining how technology can cut their companies' expenses, increase revenue, and increase the efficiency of business operations. Many CIOs work with other executives to develop business strategy. Since technology is often central to a company's business objectives and competitiveness, many CIOs are responsible for providing instruction to other managers and employees about issues surrounding technology and its implementation in the workplace. The jobs of CIOs have transformed greatly in the last few years since they are more responsible for supervising and implementing changes rather than performing technical duties.
A Broadening Role
Many companies that are currently recruiting CIOs are not looking for managers with IT expertise; rather, they're seeking individuals with a well-rounded business background. In other words, they're looking for CIOs with the ability to handle and supervise important business functions. According to a survey of CIOs conducted by an industry magazine, CIOs identified leadership, strategic thinking, and communication as the most important skills a CIO can possess. Although these CIOs identified information technology as their main area of expertise, they also identified administration, consulting, and business operations as other areas they had experience in. In order to be an effective CIO, an individual must have the ability to motivate and teach others and be effective salespeople.
Moving Out of the Techie Box
IT specialists aspiring to work as a CIO must take steps to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective CIO, not just further develop their IT skills. According to one CIO, effective CIOs must have the ability to develop business strategy and manage projects, rather than program software and perform other technical functions.
Although understanding technology is important, CIOs are responsible for managing technical experts with more extensive technical skills and knowledge. CIOs must provide leadership and place technical experts in positions where they will excel. CIOs must also be effective project managers with the ability to effectively budget and solve complex problems.
Prepare to Become a CIO
The following is advice for aspiring CIOs:
1. When overseeing projects, demonstrate the ability to produce visible results.
2. Track and document project achievements and prepare a report detailing the objectives attained.
3. When a project is not going as planned, it's not always advisable to start over; rather, it's often better to develop strategies for maximizing results.
4. When discussing IT concepts and requirements, do so in a way that emphasizes how it will affect the company's business.
5. Demonstrate the ability to manage others, develop business strategy, and understand your company's business operations.
Effective CIOs must also have the ability to compromise, handle corporate bureaucracies, negotiate, and sale products and services.
Many former and current CIOs are not very confident in their ability to communicate ideas and negotiate with others, which can make the job very stressful and difficult. However, after acquiring some experience or completing some formal training, this can change. Since technology is a vital component for most organizations, CIOs are very valuable, and they are responsible for assisting other executives crafting business strategies and setting goals.
In fact, many chief executive officers assign their CIOs to determine how to best implement new business strategies and initiatives.