FEATURE : CIO PROGRESSION
Matt Cockbill , Partner , CIO Practice ,
Odgers Berndtson capabilities to meet current and future challenges . This involves identifying and nurturing talent , providing opportunities for skill development and creating a supportive work environment .
Balancing work and life
The CIO role demands significant time and energy , often leading to work / life imbalance . To counter this , CIOs must prioritise their well-being . A balanced life enhances decision-making , encourages creativity and increases job satisfaction – effective strategies include time management , setting boundaries and prioritising self-care . Building a strong support network and seeking mentorship can also be invaluable .
STORYTELLING IS ALSO A VALUABLE SKILL , ENABLING CIOS TO FRAME TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES IN TERMS OF BUSINESS VALUE AND IMPACT . updated on emerging technologies and industry trends to remain competitive . Attending conferences , workshops and webinars can provide valuable opportunities for professional development .
By focusing on these key areas , CIOs can enhance their leadership capabilities , build strong relationships and position themselves for career advancement .
MATT COCKBILL , PARTNER , CIO PRACTICE , ODGERS BERNDTSON
To progress your career as a CIO , focus on creating good leadership habits that emphasise impact , influence and being integral to the organisation . Effective leadership is essential , particularly in the post-pandemic landscape where innovation has accelerated . This means acting as a whole business and board leader first , and functional leader second .
Getting lost in the minutia of the technology without communicating how it drives business success will limit your career as a CIO , preventing you from stepping up to the board table . Communicate in the recognisable language of your business stakeholders , focusing on generating value and bringing people along to deliver change . Ensure your communication skills are strong , effectively conveying strategies at every level of the organisation , and engaging with peers for support .
Ultimately , work / life balance is a personal journey . Finding the right approach requires experimentation and self-awareness . By making intentional choices and prioritising well-being , CIOs can personally and professionally thrive .
Cultivating strong communication and leadership skills
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership . CIOs must be able to articulate complex technical concepts in clear and concise language , both to technical and non-technical audiences . Storytelling is also a valuable skill , enabling CIOs to frame technology initiatives in terms of business value and impact .
Developing strong leadership skills is essential for inspiring and motivating teams . This includes the ability to build trust , delegate effectively and create a positive and inclusive work environment .
Embracing continuous learning
Balance technical competence with leadership , fostering an innovation culture that embraces both risks and rewards . Manage digital risk and make strategic investments which deliver on the business strategy , and therefore showcase your business acumen . Alignment is critical – your strategic investments should be entirely guided by the insights you have gained from being at the forefront of the company ’ s commercial vision .
Additionally , to advance as a CIO , cultivate a strong personal brand to become an influential leader whose input is actively sought at the board level . Build and maintain a network of industry peers and third-party partners for insights and guidance on leveraging nextgeneration technology . Do not operate in isolation ; seek counsel and advice , engage in informal mentoring and aim to build a public brand that has a draw effect on talent who you can add to your team . By focusing on these areas , you can position yourself as integral to your organisation ’ s success , driving innovation and leading your teams effectively , which will signal you for promotion .
NAVEEN ZUTSHI , CIO , DATABRICKS
The IT industry is constantly evolving , necessitating a commitment to lifelong learning . CIOs must stay
As the CIO role continues to evolve , one thing remains constant : building bridges across the rest of
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