Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who have been in the position for even a little while are acutely aware that performing the role successfully requires maintaining a careful balance between business strategy and IT strategy. CIOs must be able to succinctly explain the functionalities of new technologies to non-IT leaders, and be ready to restructure IT departments in order to satisfy the needs of ever-changing business objectives.
There is no secret formula to achieve success, nor is there a “one size fits all” approach; rather, the successful CIO develops skills and strategies that are adapted to fit their specific needs. These skills and strategies include the following:
Aligning Business Strategy with IT Strategy
This requires a CIO to think ahead and examine a broad range of business scenarios. The CIO must possess the ability to think within the larger economic context, to determine what investments in new technology are warranted, and then to determine how these investments will ultimately affect the business’s customers. When done correctly, aligning business and IT strategy forms a strong bond that makes achieving business objectives possible.
Presentations Need to be Targeted Towards Business Solutions
Techno speak has to be toned down and simplified for the CFO, CEO, and other executives, so that they can grasp the material quickly and have minimal questions. The successful CIO has the ability to look at existing problems, accurately predict potential problems, and then present recommendations for resolving these in a business savvy manner.
Collaboration and Teamwork are First and Foremost
The digital workplace can either be a boon or a boondoggle for the CIO. From managing multiple site locations, to using multiple platforms to communicate, fostering collaboration and teamwork within every level of the business is paramount. Effective CIOs are keenly aware of this and take steps to ensure smooth enterprise collaboration within the business via mobile, social, and cloud-based platforms.
The CFO’s Priorities are Given Priority
The CFO is naturally concerned with how much specific technologies will cost to purchase, how much they will cost to operate, and how much revenue the business’s investments in technology can generate. Effective CIOs provide this information well before the CFO even asks these inevitable questions. This can accomplish three very important goals:
- Help the CFO see that IT is not a cost center.
- Integrate the role of IT into the objectives of the business.
- Help the CFO and other executives see how investments in digital services enhance the products and services they are providing for their customers.
Sharing Isn’t Merely Encouraged; It’s Considered Essential
CFOs and CIOs have their own unique skills, experiences, and responsibilities. However, these are not mutually exclusive to their roles within the business. Indeed, when the CIO and CFO work in concert with one another, they create a powerful force. Together, they are able to build strong connections between the needs, capabilities, and objectives of the business. Further, by nurturing this relationship, the CIO can move closer to the business operations. This provides valuable information that a CIO can use to look ahead towards the business’s future and IT’s role in it.
The integration of these skills and philosophies enhances the role of the CIO in the overall operation of the business. These skills make it possible to successfully fulfill the responsibilities of this position in today’s ever-changing business environment. Adopting these strategies fortifies the CIO’s position in the organization, while also offering the flexibility to think and plan strategically for the business’s future.