October 20169 The New CIOSo, if collaboration is critical to success, what does this mean for CIOs who find themselves leading the charge on digital strategy?First, it means the role of the CIO is growing in strategic importance. This requires incumbents to evolve beyond the image of `the techo guy' (or gal) persona and have a much broader understanding of the business, its customers and market. Second, the dependency on collaboration means today's CIOs requires an advanced ability to influence beyond their own teams and build alignment across their executive peers. Finally, the collaborative nature of digital strategy means the role of IT leaders (in general) also needs to change. They need to go beyond merely working collaboratively with others and instead, need to become adept at helping others to work with each other. This involves different skills, stronger leadership and means being more of a facilitator (and at times, mediator) than a technical specialist.When I talk with CIOs, many are acutely aware of the emerging role they have to play in digital strategy but as with everything, the challenge lies in execution. So, if you are in this situation, what can you do to create the business collaboration needed for digital success?Actively Engage in Non-IT ConversationsBuild your credibility as someone who's contribution extends well beyond technology. Take time to learn about an area of the business you know little about. Doing so will help you `earn the right' to play a more strategic, leadership role among your peers.Take the `Digital' Out of Digital StrategyUsing the term digital sends the message that it's all about the technology. Consequently, your executive colleagues will be more likely to think it's your job to make it happen, when they also have a critical role to play. An alternative term could be `Adaptive Strategy' or something else that suggests it's about the organisation operating as a whole not IT doing cool stuff with technology.Build Alignment by Going Back to BasicsI've lost count of the number of times I've talked with Executive Teams about their digital strategy and they've been unable to answer four basic questions. Namely: a) Why does it matter? b) What's the problem or opportunity it addresses? c) What's in it for customers? d) What does the desired outcome look like? Having a conversation with your executive colleagues that answers these questions is an invaluable way to align and build commitment to the strategy. Be Clear of What You Expect from Your TeamAs the CIO you will rely on your team to help bring the strategy to life. Be clear what role you expect them to play and provide opportunities to develop the skills they need. Finally, remember that no strategy (digital or otherwise) leads itself. It's therefore up to you to leap into the driver's seat, firmly take the wheel and lead with the conviction, determination and resilience required to succeed. Using the term digital sends the message that it's all about the technology. Consequently, your executive colleagues will be more likely to think it's your job to make it happen, when they also have a critical role to play
< Page 8 | Page 10 >