What Differentiates a successful CIO?

Some of the factors that account for CIO's success include a thorough understanding of the business and people dynamics. A successful CIO has the commitment to improve, and has a mindset to an adaptation to market/organization changes and passionate to build an agile technology environment. Great Technologists, do not necessarily make great CIOs.

Good IT vision of the organization will provide the competitive edge in market place. Technology effects virtually every part of the company operations today. As CIO , it is imperative for him/her to brace-up new technologies that are in play and can fuel to the growth of the organization However, more importantly it is essential for the CIOs to be abreast with the current business dynamics of his organization and continuously evolve IT strategies around it.

Over the years, through my professional tenure I have witnessed how my role has metamorphosed significantly, and today in a world where technology is all about empowering and becoming integral part of consumer's life style, a CIO plays a very important role in an organization, in terms of carrying the vision forward.

CIOs have to be as much a business process managers as a technology managers. Potential CIOs are in the helm of all the business processes that are touching customers either internal or external. In fact, very few people in the organization would have 360 degree view of each business process and interactions because all these are technology led interfaces. They have to have an understanding where technology can improve a business process, streamline operations and consolidate functionality and resources across business units.

As an individual, IT Managers/Heads should be obsessed with Customer Experience and should be passionate to become a business catalyst who brings delight to all its internal and external customers. Potential CIOs must have the passion and the attitude to bring 360 degree Customer Experience in every touch point. They can help the organization improve its business results by changing each customer interaction. As part of this focus, they should be examining each product delivery strategy, interaction design, and each and every Customer Experience element. They must be sharp in spotting emerging best practices and technologies and put them to use. They recognize that they do not have all the answers and that every answer or plan can be strengthened with good questions. CIO doesn't have to know every technology under his/her play. In fact, "I've always thought it's a sign of real intelligence when anyone with power and expertise admits he doesn't have all the answers."

CIO goal is simple: Accelerate the path to delighting internal and external customers, through innovations in technology.

Inspiring IT heads/managers must dive deep into business domain and demonstrate the image of well rounded professional rather than only a technologist. They must align with the goals of business and have a sharp focus on them at all times. Historically, technologists have a very bad reputation of working in silos. They need to understand the fact that there are no individual heroes and its always team efforts and collaborative attitude that makes them winners. Technologists should have the abilities not only to create the world's best product but also define how to market it. They must be able to market its team's effort and showcase the success around and embrace the failures with grace.

Potential CIOs must be self starters, risk takers, with a can do attitude. They must learn to provide cushion to their teams in times of need and provide them free hand to operate and deliver. They should be a great self-styled people manager. CIO must have the ability to lead from the front if need be, else empower his/her people to lead and front-end. He/She must be a communicator and must have the ability to interface and communicate effectively at multiple levels. CIOs understand where technology can create efficiency, where technology could maybe change the rules in how they're going to market, where technology has the ability to generate incremental revenues.

In my view, one of most valuable assets is his/her uncanny ability to effectively target critical business problems, apply the appropriate technology/solution to these problems, and transform them into areas of achievement.

Technologist doesn't mean someone who is always hungry for new technologies even if it is not required in business scenario. I myself, very rarely use bleeding edge technology in my business solutions. I apply the most advanced, proven technology only if that technology is the best solution for the business need. I will never use boutique technology where the use is inappropriate.

For IT managers/heads to be successful CIOs, it is essential that they are goal-oriented, and have great teams. They have to and surround themselves with right professionals, and provide them with the tools to be successful and get the job done.

Go ahead and climb the ladder to be the next CIO.

Vapormax