Pivotal choices made by a CIO can propel digital transformation within an organization
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the role of IT leaders is undergoing a significant transformation. A recent study by Colt Technology Services has identified three key areas that have the greatest influence on an IT leader's career progression: culture, skills development, and well-being.
Culture
Organizational culture is increasingly being recognised as a strategic imperative. A strong, purposeful culture acts as a compass for decision-making and behaviour, affecting employer attractiveness and employee satisfaction. Shaping and maintaining the right culture is becoming the number one value-adding activity, strongly influencing career progression for individuals within IT leadership roles.
Skills Development and Competence
The ability to develop skills and have access to feedback is crucial for IT leaders. Fulfilling competence needs through continuous learning and development opportunities is linked to better performance and well-being at work, an important driver for career advancement in IT.
Well-being and Psychological Safety
Well-being at work, including psychological safety, autonomy, and positive social connections, plays a critical role in sustaining motivation, job satisfaction, and overall career progression. Supporting well-being leads to improved individual and organizational outcomes, which are essential for leadership progression.
These areas—a supportive culture, ongoing skills development, and a focus on well-being—form the foundation that most strongly influences IT leaders’ career trajectories at Colt Technology Services.
Interestingly, communicating with stakeholders was undervalued, with 27% rating this as a company risk, against just 19% as a significant personal risk. This suggests that while IT leaders recognise the importance of stakeholder communication, they may not always prioritise it at a company level.
The individual at the helm of the IT function feels heightened pressure as their role evolves. Digitally savvy department heads now have a solid grasp on the value of technology for improving efficiencies. The consumerisation of IT means that anyone in the organisation could be the nucleus of an idea that transforms the company into a digital business.
CIOs surveyed outlined an array of situations that are game-changers for professional success. These include rolling out an independent big data management platform, ensuring robust security systems are implemented, and dealing with an earthquake situation. Successful IT leaders work closely with teams to pioneer transformational projects, navigating these challenges with strategic vision and a focus on the three key areas identified by Colt Technology Services: culture, skills development, and well-being.
- To effectively navigate the challenges encountered by IT leaders, it's crucial for them to focus on the transformational projects that involve big data management, given its strategic value for improving efficiencies within business.
- A strong emphasis on culture, skills development, and well-being forms the cornerstone of IT leaders' career trajectories, as demonstrated by the study by Colt Technology Services, which found that these areas have the greatest influence on a leader's progression in the tech sector.
