Not everyone approaches responsible use of technology like IT does. The CIO overcomes irresponsible use by approaching the challenge from the inside-out, from what they can do to what they must get others to do for them. I have used knives whose blades were not sharpened. I swung an ax whose blade was dull. Sweat and swearing were common between the experiences. The job got done, but what a mess. You live in that reality every day.

Effective CIOs need to come alongside each business line to explore the best path forward. Thinking through six questions will better prepare the CIO for the conversations and work ahead. — What would you say, on a day you have longed to see, with many eyes on you and many hopes affixed to you? What would you say with a storm on your backside and multiple challenges before you? Last week, President Joe Biden, in his inaugural speech, had just that…

The CEO needs a CIO who knows how to read context. It improves their effectiveness as a team leader, as a decision-maker, and as a communicator. — “Taken out of context I must seem so strange.” — Ani DiFranco The one thing the CEO needs in the CIO is the ability of the CIO to read context. Though a technology leader may be well-versed in a discipline, (s)he brings very little strategic value to the table without…

Data is the driver. Avoid these five pitfalls in order to stay on course: Style over substance, futile fighting, willful ignorance, chasing aberrations and lazy thinking. — Kevin Kelley is one of the most renowned high school football coaches in the country. In 18 years of coaching, he holds a record of 216–29–1. Before Coach Kelley came, Pulaski Academy had never been past the semifinals. Since, the school has won 9 state championships. …

I like to talk. I figure if my brain goes to great effort to form a thought, the least I can do is bring it to birth. I’m special that way. Extroverts and introverts process their world differently. The introvert processes internally. They share thoughts after they think; extroverts process…

We are driven. It’s not a bad thing. But it can be. Effective leaders are more than driven, and it’s in this “more” that leaders are recognized as wise and worthy of emulation. The more is found in one question: Is what is in front of you that which you…

Questions For Every CIO and Board About Security — The CIO is in a unique position to communicate to the Board the information that helps them assess and evaluate security approach and activity, and incident response and recovery. The Board needs this information through direct and indirect vehicles: reports, sessions…

As Christmas nears, you will have more options to watch a Scrooge rendition than there are ornaments on your tree. Scrooge was a time-keeper: arrive early and don’t leave early. The clock reigned. It has been a poor master indeed. The new work is about mastery not a master. Leaders…

I am watching black letters form on white while my eyes try to process the screen. I have a different view outside: Small but steady flakes of snow quickly cover the ground and trees, a natural Christmas-white blanket folding over grass and bushes. …