Ten Traits Effective CIOs Have in Common

Ten Traits Effective CIOs Have in Common

They Transform the Digital Conversation Into a Business OneThey Transform the Digital Conversation Into a Business One

That’s because there’s no longer a distinction between an enterprise’s business strategy and its tech strategy.

They Deepen Discovery Through DataThey Deepen Discovery Through Data

Specifically, they deploy metrics to establish a baseline of IT performance and measure tangible progress toward impactful improvement.

They Raise Their ProfileThey Raise Their Profile

CIOs are chief innovation officers these days. So they need to elevate their presence companywide–especially within the board–to champion new ways to boost performance through disruptive tech.

They Emerge as Go-To 'Doers'They Emerge as Go-To ‘Doers’

Ideas about innovation are worthless if they aren’t executed. Successful CIOs know how to turn promising proposals into can-do practical plans.

They Understand the CustomerThey Understand the Customer

As consumers get more comfy with tech, CIOs must remove any walls that stand between IT and the creation of a highly personalized, positive customer experience.

They Move QuicklyThey Move Quickly

CIOs only have between 90 to 120 days to make their mark, so good ones swiftly identify where IT can make the biggest difference–right now.

They Build Internal PartnershipsThey Build Internal Partnerships

Instead of protecting turf, they realize that the CFO, CMO and others can serve as resourceful allies to help advance mutually beneficial initiatives.

They Collaborate FreelyThey Collaborate Freely

They recognize that everyone from the CEO to the frontline customer service employees can shed valuable insights into how IT can drive greater business outcomes.

They Recruit Beyond IT CapabilitiesThey Recruit Beyond IT Capabilities

Tech competency is just the beginning. By targeting for strong communications, problem solving and other essential soft skills, CIOs build dream teams that are considered indispensable by organizationwide influencers.

They Speak in CFOThey Speak in CFO

It’s difficult to present yourself as a key business player, after all, if you haven’t immersed yourself into company/industry financials and otherwise “get” the CFO’s lingo.

Dennis McCafferty
Dennis McCafferty
Dennis McCafferty is a contributor to CIO Insight. He covers topics such as IT leadership, IT strategy, collaboration, and IT for businesses.

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