CIO's better up their game - by Teddi Moon

     There seems to be a disconnect in the perceived value of the CIO in an organization.  The 60% of CIOs in general think they add strong value, however, 35% of their C-suite peers would back that up.  CIO's appear to lack the business expertise to demonstrate their worth to the executive team even though IT is involved in almost all areas of business these days.

     Maureen Osborne, Global CIO of Ernst & Young said: "In order to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, CIOs will need to break out of their comfort zones within the data centre.  Those who don't, will run the risk of being further relegated down the corporate hierarchy, or sidelined altogether."

     Lack of support is a common complaint from the executive level among IT leaders.  Engaging CEO and other business leaders can be easier said than done.  To get their attention, CIOs must become experts in all major areas of the business says an executive recruitment specialist.  Actions are louder than words and CIOs need to look for opportunities to support some form of major projects for the organization that can make an effect on the business operation.

     To be seen, heard, valued, and taken seriously, CIOs are going to have to step up their game.  This is part of the security puzzle.  It can be difficult to  sell security to management, there is no clear return on investment.  With a lack of track record for being useful, it compounds the problem of achieving approval to implement security measures.

"Once business leaders start to recognize an IT leader as someone who can transform the way they operate their business, perceptions can quickly start to shift.  This will be especially clear if the resultant changes in the business operating model impacts top lop revenue growth."

     I thought this was relevant for us as we travel our career paths.  As we move forward, it is wise to keep in mind the challenges that we will face as we help to change the face of the IT industry.

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cio-insights/who-thinks-the-cio-is-important-the-cio-but-hardly-anyone-else/39749498?tag=nl.e076&s_cid=e076