Conclusion

Breaking the Paradox

During my interviews for this book, and in my conversations with other CIOs over the years, I have found that there are certain approaches, practices, and philosophies that are common to successful CIOs. These CIOs have not done away with the many contradictions of IT leadership. As I mentioned in the opening of this book, the CIO Paradox is here to stay. But these CIOs have managed to be successful regardless.

The phrase I like to use to describe the phenomenon of success in the face of lousy odds is “breaking the paradox,” and this concluding chapter is dedicated to that concept. I have compiled these common “traits of successful CIOs” into a checklist for you to review, and perhaps, to share with the aspiring ...

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