In my work with senior IT leaders aspiring to be a CIO, the most common question I ask is, “Why do you want to be a CIO?” 

You most likely have the largest single G&A cost center in the company with the most visible service delivery function. The services delivered are critical to the corporate mission and quite often taken for granted as a utility. You are accountable 24 x 7 for availability and access to business systems that are critical to driving business results. You are responsible for the inevitable data breach. In the world of SaaS and PaaS, you are even responsible for things that you don’t have control over.   

It can be a lonely job. You are required to maintain calm in the time of crisis and demonstrate confidence to your peers. There aren’t many people you can vent to without risk of eroding their confidence in you. Occasionally, it can feel like a no win situation.   

At the same time the role of the CIO is so very rewarding. What other corporate leadership role has the depth and breadth of influence as the CIO across all areas of the business?  

The CIO of yesterday has evolved into a business leader partnering with peers to drive results. The dependence of business on information technology will continue to grow with the digital revolution.  Today’s CIO must be business savvy and responsive to business drivers and the needs of peers worrying about digital transformation. The CIO who can evolve from the operational leader to a strategic executive has the opportunity to make a real difference in both the corporate direction and the lives of IT team member. It is a big job, and a very rewarding job for the right person and reason.  

The questions you should ask yourself are:  

• What is driving you to be or want to be a CIO?   
• Have you thought about why you want such a challenging role? 
• What is your purpose?   
• What do you hope to get out the experience?  
• Are you ready to move from a technical leadership role to a business leadership role?  What do you need to get there?   
• What legacy do you aspire to leave behind?   
• How much risk are you willing to take on?   

I am here for you if you need help answering these questions or if you need a partner in building your future success.   

Until next time, have an effective week! 

Mary

Let’s Talk sponsored by ITeffectivity.com – an IT Executive Coaching and Advisory practice targeting CIO’s challenge of leading and delivering business solutions with a focus on effective people and process capabilities. Discover the possibilities by scheduling a complimentary strategy session with Mary Patry.