CIOs are in a unique position, often holding a helicopter view of what’s going on in the business.

A wide-ranging remit

Of the CIOs interviewed, 64% enjoy the scope and remit of their role. The CIO’s contribution in any business can be wide ranging in its scope:

• Execution: All CIOs are involved in the execution of the basics – keeping systems up and running, while keeping close tabs on the organization’s overall IT spend.
• Enablement: This is where a more operational focus starts to give way to something more strategic in nature – from improving business decisions by acting as an information broker to proactively enhancing business processes.
• Development: At the highest level, CIOs are called upon to help develop the business further. From delivering transformation through to introducing business model innovation, this can be the most rewarding part of the job – but is only open to those who truly consider the rest of the C-suite as equal peers and the least often pursued.

Controlling the impact of IT spend onthe organization

Ensuring the IT and security needs are up and running

Providing insight to support business decisions

Enhancing business processes by being an active business partner

Preparing and developing the organization for change

Shaping the future of the business with the right technology

Time to wake up

Less than one in five of the CIOs polled for this study have risen to become a full member of their company’s executive management team. When asked about the degree to which they participate in strategic decision-making, responses were lukewarm, with just 43% rating this as something that they are highly engaged in.

Today’s CIOs risk being sidelined if they fail to change. At a high level, they will need to pay less attention to the underlying technologies they love, and focus far more on developing their abilities as managers, leaders and influencers.

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