CIO Networking Dinner Jan 2010
January CIO Networking Dinner
On Wednesday 27th January, Infrassistance hosted the first CIO Networking Dinner of 2010 at our favourite gastro pub, Heston Blumenthal’s delightful Hinds Head in Bray. The topic for discussion during the 6-course tasting menu was ‘What is the reputation of the CIO today and what are you doing to advance your standing in the business?’ – a topic on which each of the participants was keen to share their opinions.
If it is true that the trend is towards the IT function becoming integrated under the direct control of the COO, then you have a choice: either you are seen to be adding real value to the business and will step up to the COO role – or you’ll be passed over or pushed out. Your reputation – the way you are perceived by your team and your peers – is critical to your success in your current organisation and in your future career.
Below is a summary of the views that were seen by guests as critical to the way the CIO is perceived:
- Use business language, both when talking with your team and with the wider business. Using IT jargon often baffles your business colleagues and puts you and your team into a techie box.
- Recognise the difference between IT as a dependable utility and IT that delivers competitive edge – both are important to the business, but not always at the same time!
- Actively capture and communicate IT’s value to the organisation and ensure that business managers not only understand the cost of the services delivered but can also influence them.
- Think and act as if IT is an integral part of the business – if you don’t believe it, nobody else will! IT often perpetuates the idea that it is separate from the business rather than a critical service unit to support the organisation.
Previous Events
- What one piece of advice would you give your CIO peers to enhance their reputation?
We know there are other critical competencies that come into play but unfortunately the restaurant had to close before we could explore them all!
What do you consider the important skills and approaches that help the CIO move up from IT manager to business leader?
Email your views in confidence to Geoff Drake
After the main course, our host, Geoff Drake, proposed that we change places – a simple request, but one that seemed to require clarification! “Should every other person move?” “Perhaps some us should move clockwise and some anti-clockwise?” As Geoff said, “Good grief, do we need a process just for a simple move?! Our preoccupation with process may be one of the reasons why we sometimes struggle to engage with the business!”