In In the recently published book The CIO Edge Seven Leadership Skills You Need To Drive Results, Graham Waller vice president and executive partner with Gartner Executive Programs; George Hallenbeck director, intellectual property development, for Korn/Ferry Leadership and Talent Consulting; and Karen Rubenstrunk, formerly with Korn/Ferrys CIO practice, examine the key skills CIOs need and how to develop them. Following three years of data-driven research, the authors distilled their findings down to the behavioural patterns and key skills they believe to be the most critical to success.
High-performing CIOs distinguish themselves by mastering the following seven skills:
Commit to Leadership First and Everything Else Second.
The highest performing CIOs are effective because they embrace the idea that everything they need to accomplish will be achieved through people, by people, and with people. They dont pay lip service to that idea. They live it. They lead.
Lead Differently than You Think.
A high-performing CIO is an incredibly complex and creative thinker. Yet when the time comes to lead, they dont rely on their superior smarts and analytical skills to come up with the best possible solution. They act collaboratively.
Embrace Your Softer Side.
Effective CIOs manage the paradox of gaining more influence by letting go of control and allowing themselves to be vulnerable. In turn, that vulnerability enables them to create deep, personal connections connections that provide the ability to inspire people both inside and outside their organisation.
Forge the Right Relationships to Drive the Right Results.
This skill may not be surprising. High performing CIOs spend a greater percentage of their time and energy managing relationships that exist sideways: with internal peers, external suppliers, and customers. They purposely invest in horizontal relationships which form the foundation to drive extraordinary results.
Master Communication.
The best CIOs know that their colleagues - especially the people who work for them - are always watching. They take advantage of that situation by constantly reiterating core messages and values. Through their focus on clarity, consistency, authenticity, and passion, they make sure their message is not only understood but also felt.
Inspire Others.
The best CIOs provide a compelling vision that connects people to how their enterprise wins in the marketplace and that their contributions are meaningful and valued.
Build People, Not Systems.
By developing people all around them, these CIOs increase their capability and capacity to deliver results. They also know that leaving behind the next generation of leaders is the best thing they can do for the organisationit will be their lasting legacy.
All CIOs must deliver results. What distinguishes the best is how they do it: through people, by people, and with people, says Waller.
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