Chief Technology Officer? Try Chief Change Officer.
Flickr photo: surface to airIf you chose a career in IT, you also chose, by definition, to be an agent of change.
That's a line from an IT Republic article on the skills an IT leader needs to be effective. If you've ever done technology work of any sort, I'm guessing that resonates. I think it's the most important thing an IT leader can keep in mind.
Sure, your job includes technology. You need to know what's out there, what the trends are. But your job is not ABOUT technology. Your job is about communicating the value of technology, and helping your organization embrace it.
That means that you can't just propose a new project -- you have to show how the project will help your organization meet your mission. It also means that you have to play the role of confidant, coach, and therpist as you help staff adjust to the changes.
None of those things has anything to do with zeroes and ones.
