The Role of a 21st Century CIO - Essay Example

Just like what Jim Barton undertook, his role could be summarized to encompass the seven categories noted for developing IT systems (Austin, Nolan and O'Donnell), such as enhancing communication systems; managing IT personnel; understanding the cost and value of IT within the organization; understanding and designing an effective project management system; selecting the most viable vendors for IT and ably managing this system; delving into infrastructure management; and finally, being able to anticipate emerging technologies which could be appropriately and effectively applied within the organizational setting.

The paramount importance of safety and security of information and system needs to be prioritized to prevent security breaches, work disruption, and an erosion of confidence and image of the corporation. As such, the CIO needs to take risks but be able to manage that risk to ensure that the returns are maximized and that the future of the organization is protected and ensured. Therefore, as much as internal resources need to be effectively assessed and understood; the CIO needs to closely monitor external factors to address unexpected circumstances.

From what one read from the Adventures of an IT Leader (Austin, Nolan and O'Donnell), Jim Barton personified a successful CIO and the key characteristics and traits that were possessed are as follows: (1) being diligent and committed to understanding what is unknown but exerting efforts to know as much as what could be known; (2) having a firm belief and strong presence of mind to rely on people who could be trusted and who could effectively deliver what is needed in IT; (3) possessing skills of introspection, conflict resolution, problem-solving, resource generation and allocation, as well as decision-making; (4) not being afraid to ask the right people when there is something that needs to be clarified and understood; (5) being transparent and honest about IT concerns and issues, especially with one’s superiors; (6) admitting mistakes when committed; and (6) being always prepared to address IT concerns based on analytical evaluation of the scenario.

In addition to all these, one firmly believes that, just like what Jim Barton exemplified, a successful CIO should have a genuine desire to improve the condition of the IT department within the organization including its resources (materials and human), systems, and the value that it provides to various stakeholders. The CIO should be hands-on, is resourceful, use the right connections, and puts the interests and goals of the organization at heart.