Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Partnering with Your Executive Management and Board of Directors

As a CIO (or for that matter, any “C” level executive), you are part of the senior leadership of your organization. It doesn't matter who you report to, it's more important how you are engaged and perceived by your counterparts in the “C” suite. You are also expected to be a business leader and be able to keep your board of directors apprised of what you are accomplishing, how you are investing (not spending) their money, and what value your functional area is bringing to help your company accomplish its mission. Therefore, another key partnership you need to create is with your executive leadership team, as well as with your board of directors. They need to see you as approachable, understandable, engaged, and supportive of their efforts. They must be able to count on you to act as a business leader and a member of the leadership team, not as a rogue practitioner who performs some black magic that they don't understand or see the value of. You must speak their language, be comfortable in their world, and help them to become more comfortable in yours. It is imperative that you not only market the value you bring to their efforts but that you help to make key members of your team more visible and appreciated for the talents they bring to the table.