Every day I read articles about emerging technologies, new reports weekly about AI and how it is impacting on all industries.
Also every day I meet with IT leaders who are managing the very demanding and fast pacing world of technology in their industries, they vary from Chief Information Officer (CIO), IT Director, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Vice President (VP) of IT to Director of Technology. This list is in no particular range of importance by the way!!
I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to meet with ‘the best in the business’ and I really do get inspired by meeting people who demand the best from themselves (and their team) working in such an innovative industry that constantly strives and tests all personnel to keep abreast of new technologies and safeguard the organisation at the same time.
After many cups of coffee over many years with lots and lots of super IT leaders the traits that the most successful all have are very similar and are the fundamental skills required.
S – Proven Successful IT career to date in the technologies that you have invested in or just about to implement. An experienced IT Director/CIO/CTO will be able to demonstrate how they project managed software implementations previously or how they improved on overall IT efficiency for example. They have proven business success case studies to exhibit their expertise and tell their IT Career story to date.
T – Truly understands how important emerging technologies are to keep abreast of and how they will impact on your business today and into the future. Never before has this been so important, the world of technology is transforming at a rapid pace and an astute IT leader knows this.
A – This may sound corny but they are affable/likeable. Like all leaders in executive positions they must have excellent communication skills, it is crucial to their role. An IT leader has many different people in their departments, from developers & programmers to data and business analysts project managers, software engineers & architects, security specialists etc.,
An IT Project Implementation can only be successful if there is clear communication across the team whether that team is in a nearshore or offshore capacity. The IT leader has to garner trust across the entire management team to ensure that the project gets company backing because without exception all IT disruptions disrupt and interfere in the smooth running of a department whilst change is happening.
R – Your IT leader needs to be both revolutionary and responsible. They need to be your guide to the future and how new technologies will enhance your business strategy to ensure your business is not lagging behind. They also have to watch IT spend which can grow on all projects not just IT!!
If you would like to chat about IT resourcing with me over zoom/teams or in person over a cup of coffee, just pop me a message and we can take it from there.
And always remember ….
“Great vision without great people is irrelevant.” – Jim Collins, Author of “Good to Great”
