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A reesearch conducted by Forbes Insights, in conjunction with Intel and VMware, has found that the role of the CIO is changing and growing in importance. More than 400 CIOs around the world were interviewed, resulting in two reports: “Ascent of the CIO” and “The Challenges for Tomorrow’s CIO“. As Forbes points out, the reports also provide recommendations to CIOs on how they can succeed in this new world of digital transformation.
We have decided to jump into the discussion and bring you tips for CIOs (Chief Information Officers) who want to succeed in technology innovation (especially in the age of cloud computing, big data, analytics, collaborative platforms, etc.) and in leading their teams. The reason for this is that we understand that the importance of the CIO role has increased as technology has come to influence organizations.
So take a few minutes to stop what you are doing and look at our tips for CIOs (we hope they can help you perform your role even more effectively):
1. Have strategic vision
“Being a CIO is much more about having a good strategic vision than about being a master of technology.” The quote is from Douglas Shook, CIO at the University of Southern California, and was taken from the article “How to land the CIO job: 10 tips“.
Out of the tips for CIOs, we consider this one of the most important, especially since IT has become increasingly strategic. It is the area that provides all the technological support for the company to overcome its challenges by spending less and producing more, helping the organization to:
- Create value through technology;
- Technology supported groth plan; and
- Ensure that technical systems and procedures lead to results aligned with business objectives.
For this reason, more than ever – and especially in times of cost reduction – CIOs must have a thorough vision of business operations and know organizational goals and objectives. Thus, the professional will be able to direct the technologies to help the various areas, achieving the expected results.
2. Automate
If IT is to be strategic, it makes no sense for IT professionals to spend time on manual and repetitive processes. Routine tasks are the most time-consuming ones. They are also the ones that should be automated.
Remember that CIOs should focus on leading their teams in a way that adds value to the business. So, out of the tips for CIOs, this one is about eliminating manual processes and operational problems. To do this, as an industry leader, think about using systems that allow you to work on items such as:
- Manage the cycle of a change within the context of IT asset management;
- Generate the necessary controls for impact analysis, change planning, configuration management and predictability;
- Manage and address incidents that occur both within the context of IT management and more broadly to any occurrence in the organization;
- Reduce the response time to incidents and service requests;
- Avoid recurrence of accidents, problems and non-conformities;
- Among others.
3. Speak the right language
Especially in companies that are implementing actions for digital transformation, it is crucial that CIOs communicate in a way that other departments easily understand what is happening (i.e., leaving technical jargon and lingo aside). Keep in mind that it is the CIO’s job to explain about technology in a way that the topic is easy to understand and accessible to people of different knowledge levels.
CIOs must be able to show not only how the change will occur and how it will affect day-to-day operations, but they must also be able to explain the need for such a change and what value it will add to the area or company.
4. Be proactive in transforming
We can’t talk about tips for CIOs without mentioning proactivity. IT leaders should always look for ways to improve their area (and, of course, the company as a whole). For example, you can start mapping or redesigning processes to reduce or eliminate inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and/or waste, going for a paperless environment.
5. Keep your eyes on the future
CIOs must analyze what is happening in the market, draw their own conclusions, and see what makes sense for their company, always thinking about using technology to increase efficiency and revenue.
According to the article “What makes the CIO of tomorrow? Five traits that matter“, when it comes to tips for CIOs, this one deserves special attention. The author, Vaibhav Gawde (Oracle, India), says that the IT leader must always have a clear vision of how the area can make the business protected in the future; being able to define which technology will enable the digital transformation, and how this transformation will help the business to grow.
6 – Get involved
The CIO must be involved at all levels of the organizational structure. Each area has its problems to be solved and only those who work in it can specify what needs to be improved. However, choosing the right systems and implementing them correctly is the IT area’s responsibility. The CIO, acting as a strategic partner, is able to effectively and efficiently distribute technology. The rule here is: the more involved a CIO is in the company strategy, the more effective IT will be.
7 – Don’t forget about security and infrastructure
We understand that the CIO position has not been reinvented, it has just evolved. This means that the IT leader must also oversee the company infrastructure and ensure that it’s meeting the needs.
In addition, and no less important, especially in an age of Big Data, there is information security. A Chief Information Officer has the responsibility to manage the information environment. The tip here is to rely on a document management solution.
In closing
We believe that more and more CIOs are tasked with keeping systems up and running, while also looking at how technology can help improve organizational effectiveness. The role is much more strategic today than it was in the past, especially when taking into account the digital transformation environment.
Therefore, for an organization to be successful, the CIO should no longer be seen as the person who just manages the IT department. Instead, they should be seen as a technology leader, working to support the achievement of the company business goals.
When it comes to Information Technology, don’t forget to keep processes and tasks automated. To help you with that, we have IT accelerators.
Do you have anything to add on the tips for CIOs? Feel free to share your opinion and knowledge with us. Take advantage that you are here and check out other materials produced by Neomind. Access our blog.
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