Careers Slideshow: Ten Ways to for CIOs to Get Ahead

1. Talk the Talk ...

... of an executive leader. One who has ideas about what will help the organization grow, instead of following the pack.

2. Walk the Walk

Understand big-picture company strategies and ensure IT is aligned.

3. Check Your Ego at the Door

Your team's accomplishments are yours, so help IT succeed instead of indulging in self-promotion.

4. Resist Hovering

Give programmers, analysts, and others what they need to perform, and then walk away.

5. Step Outside the IT Box

Actively engage other departments to identify business concerns.

6. Maintain Accountability

Do what you say you're going to do, when it's supposed to get done, and within budget.

7. Say Yes

CIOs that encourage bold, winning initiatives go farther than naysayers.

8. Sell It

Don't simply endorse a proposal, gain buy-in from all company influencers as a convincing evangelist.

9. Take Ownership

Own your failures as well as your successes. Excuse-makers never make the C-suite.

10. Embrace New Tech

Hindering progress and innovation brand you as a throw-back and an obstructionist.