Top qualities of Chief Information Officer (CIO)

A chief information officer (CIO) is the company executive responsible for managing, implementing, and usability of information and computer technologies. As it is the most responsible position in the organization, the CIO must possess the below qualities. 

•  Leadership Skills

Outstanding CIOs are distinguished by their leadership qualities, which are subjective but discernible. Visionary, passionate, inspirational, wise, charismatic, confident, influential, risk-taking, encouraging, optimistic, reassuring, creative-thinking, goal-setting, helpful, supportive, moral, honorable, fair, and open individuals are all characteristics of leaders. Leaders provide role models. They stoke creativity, get the best out of those around them and give credit where credit is due. Leadership is the most valuable career currency a person can possess.

•  Effective Communicator

Because he is responsible for directing their teams and enabling dialogue between numerous stakeholders, the CIO must be an adept communicator. The capacity to explain a plan or a feeling intelligently, clearly, and suitably is a must. Combine excellent listening skills with solid bargaining, persuasion, and dispute resolution talents. The CIO must possess excellent written communication, one-on-one verbal communication, group platform skills, and public speaking. 

•  Friendly

The CIO must be friendly and approachable to build an effective relationship between the team, which will help him get timely updates and take up crucial decisions. Open-minded discussions and transparency will bond the CIO and other departments to the organization’s strategic development.

•  Creativity and Innovation

Technology changes every day, and the developments are robust. CIO needs to anticipate the changes in the technology and be ready all time to respond to these changes. Implement them effectively, efficiently, and quickly in the organization to compete with the rest. He must be flexible to the changes and lead the organization to adopt the changes.

•  Business savvy

The CIO must have excellent business knowledge as it will help implement the best technology for the business. CIO should make a strong effort and capacity to develop an in-depth understanding of the industry served and the company’s business strategy to choose the best technology for the organization’s well-being. 

• Management skills

It is critical to direct and supervise people, projects, resources, budgets, vendors, and other business partners. Team builders, motivators, coaches, and mentors are all qualities that great managers must possess. Setting goals, allocating appropriate resources to those priorities, and completing projects on time and a budget is all considered essential skills for a top CIO.

• Change Initiator

The most important goal is to transform the IT function from a tactical need to a strategic component. The ability to make changes in a company’s operating and business processes to improve efficiency and competitiveness is also sought. Many CEOs consider business process reengineering and continuous process improvement, particularly when the economy becomes more difficult.

• International experience

This item would most likely not have made a list ten years ago. As organizations aim to service international outlets and cross-border acquisitions become more regular, a top CIO’s awareness of other cultures and how to do business in foreign markets is becoming increasingly important. Knowing a given market, country, or language is sometimes necessary. Openness and awareness, based on experience, that there are different methods of engaging and conducting business in other world regions are more broadly sought.