11 Traits of Successful IT Leaders

11 Traits of Successful IT Leaders

They’re Fueled by Passion

Tech professionals are driven by the intrinsic worth of the work, and expect the same from their bosses.

They Allow Time for Ideas to Gain Momentum

Your employees are thoughtful and analytical. Give proposals time to breathe before seeking buy-in, so your staffers can pursue their own research and assessment.

They Encourage Calculated Risk-Taking

They don’t let a fear of failure keep employees from pushing the possibilities of a project, but they know when it’s time to reign them in.

They Thrive Upon Collaboration

This includes strategic-focused interactions within tech, and with executives and teams from other departments.

They Understand Users and Stakeholders

Because they can “see” technology practices and purposes from the perspective of users and other stakeholders, they help tech staffers grasp what it’s like to “walk in their shoes.”

They Welcome Debate—Even Dissent

Because that’s how original, disruptive ideas are often generated, in an open and free wheeling environment.

They Enjoy Dealing With Offbeat People

Face it: IT workers aren’t “normal.” So a good CIO will embrace their various assortments of quirks as endearing.

They Model Best Practices

If they issue directives for appropriate Internet and computer use in the interest of cybersecurity, for example, they follow each guideline to the letter.

They’re Highly Active on Social Media

Because social media elevates your presence as an industry authority, and you can use it to promote the accomplishments of your teams.

They Never Lose Sight of the Big Picture

Strong CIOs constantly communicate how day-to-day tech duties and projects are supporting long-term organizational strategies.

They Are Genuinely Humbled by Their Employees

They acknowledge and appreciate the wealth of tech wisdom that tech professionals bring to the table, instead of envying or resenting it.