CIOopinion
A CIO with business acumen can execute on a digital leadership strategy that will make the business more efficient and create new and profitable digital channels . It ’ s about reaching a higher level of maturity as a business partner , change agent or transformation leader .
Evangelise and communicate your vision
Good communication is not often synonymous with IT leaders in the same way it is with CEOs . So , in order to drive transformational change , CIOs need to step outside of their traditional comfort zone and evangelise key IT initiatives to the organisation and shift perceptions .
Employees can no longer see IT as a support function to a driver of digital innovation , but instead should understand how it will have a positive impact on them as an individual within the business .
The CIO has this power and the ability to create a digital-first culture and frame the narrative around how these initiatives support the wider business goals . This might also require hiring new talent to help spark and drive innovation across the business .
Develop a customer-first mentality
Crucially , CIOs need to take a customer-first approach to the digital business strategy , which means considering how technology is used outside of the organisation too .
CIOs have typically supported the efforts of others who interact with customers but it ’ s critical to learn how to engage directly with them to truly deliver on transformation goals .
For example , in the case of taking a traditional offline business online – this change must start with the customer experience in mind .
Every great CIO ’ s strength lies in their ability to change and adapt . Therefore , the demands of today ’ s digital landscape won ’ t be a reinvention but a reaffirmation of their place as a visionary , digital strategist and a key driver of business growth . •
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THE RESULT SHOULD BE SHOWING HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN IMPROVE THESE LEADERS ’ EFFORTS IN A WAY THAT WILL PROVIDE DEMONSTRABLE BENEFITS – FROM MAJOR SAVINGS AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES TO NEW REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES .
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