Many executives believe that a CIO, or a Chief Information Officer, can play a crucial role in a company’s leadership board. And the CIO should certainly play a crucial role in at least two fields:
- Internally, optimization and reengineering of all company processes utilizing new technologies and thus achieving a significant increase in efficiency while cutting costs in half.
- Externally, optimizing all interaction with customers and strategic partners.
What is a CIO?
The Chief Information Officer’s primary responsibility used to be implementing and overseeing the computer databases and operating systems the company will use to execute necessary activities. Today his role has become strategically important for all companies.
In recent years, CIOs have become prominent decision-makers at many companies for a variety of reasons. The value they bring is now recognized on boards around the world.
Technological Expertise
The smooth daily operations of any business or organization often hinge on the performance of its computer operating system. If these systems encounter a glitch, significant amounts of time and money can be lost. CIOs possess the technical expertise necessary to remedy such issues and strategize preventative methods. In addition, these professionals possess the skills needed to execute the required system upgrades.
Security Assessments
In today’s technologically-advanced world, there has been an emergence of a form of white-collar crime known as cyber breaches. These offenses are perpetrated by criminals who infiltrate computer systems, steal data and often utilize this information for significant financial gain. An effective CIO typically possesses extensive experience regarding the implementation and maintenance of security safeguards that keep vital information of the entity in question and its customers secure.
Strategic Thinking
CIOs understand the importance of strategic thinking. Technology changes at breakneck paces. Therefore, CIOs must quickly grow adept at monitoring trends, being conscious of costs and implementing alterations on the fly. Input provided by fast, creative thinkers like CIOs can prove invaluable during times of crisis or when difficult decisions must be rendered.
Decisiveness
Overseeing essential issues like cybersecurity often require decisive action. CIO’s identify problems, carefully mull over the most appropriate solutions and execute a prompt response. Such professionals realize they do not possess time to hedge. Only swift decisions and definitive action will suffice.
The Ability To Be Hands-On
Implementing cybersecurity measures often requires the capacity to be hands-on. To be hands-on, someone needs to be standing in the metaphorical trenches with other skilled professionals to accomplish the given task. CIOs have an excellent understanding of this. They are not afforded the luxury of delegating the “dirty work” to subordinates and gain the ability to work with both executives and rank-and-file employees with a professional and diplomatic demeanor.