Key Takeaways from this article: 

• Effective people management goes beyond traditional team leadership; it requires emotional intelligence (EQ), empathy, and building strong relationships across the organization.

• CIOs will continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible, encouraging their teams to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

• A data-driven mindset is essential for success in the role of CIO. 

• By optimizing the user experience and adopting a customer-first mindset, CIOs can help their organizations stay ahead of customer expectations, driving greater engagement and long-term success. 

 

In our last article, we looked at three crucial skills, business acumen, effective communication, and cybersecurity, as future skills that every CIO will need to lead their organization into the future. In part two, we will explore four more skills that will define the next generation of tech leaders. These are skills that any leader should be looking for in their next CIO – let’s dive in. 

People Management and Emotional Intelligence 

In an era of vital collaboration and cross-functional teams, managing and leading people is a fundamental skill for any CIO. Effective people management goes beyond traditional team leadership; it requires emotional intelligence (EQ), empathy, and building strong relationships across the organization. A CIO with high EQ can better understand their team’s needs, concerns, and motivations, enabling them to create a positive work environment that fosters innovation and high performance. 

“The short-sighted or near-sighted ‘visionaries’ leading companies and teams are holding their people in check — in many ways it’s analogous to getting stuck in traffic behind a driver that is only able to see the car in front of him and is unwilling or unable to see farther down the road,” Explains Walter Carter, President of THG Advisors and International Best-Selling Author. Compare that to the drivers who see way up the road and are quick to see emerging patterns enabling them to easily avoid traps and hazards – wouldn’t you prefer following that leader?” 

Moreover, CIOs work closely with other C-suite executives, such as the CEO, CFO, and CMO, to ensure that technology initiatives align with broader business strategies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building trust and collaboration among key stakeholders. 

Data-Driven Decision Making 

In today’s data-rich world, CIOs need to harness data for decision-making more than ever. Modern organizations generate vast amounts of data, and a CIO will leverage this data to gain insights, predict trends, and make informed decisions. Whether using data analytics to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, or identify new business opportunities, a data-driven mindset is essential for success in the role. 

“Data management – master it,” says Krishna Venkatesh, SVP of Saas Software Engineering, Aline. “Creating and identifying a system of record will help build a cohesive platform.” 

Furthermore, as AI and machine learning evolve, CIOs must stay ahead of the curve, integrating these technologies into their strategies to drive automation, personalization, and improved decision-making. 

Pushing Innovation and a Forward-Thinking Mindset 

The CIO’s role has evolved into that of a key innovation driver. In addition to managing existing technology, the CIO scouts for new, disruptive technologies that can give the organization a competitive edge, which requires a forward-thinking mindset, a willingness to experiment with the latest tools and methodologies, and the ability to foster a culture of innovation within the IT department and beyond. Krishna reminds us that the ability to innovate and adapt as technology and needs evolve is critical. 

“Innovate and Adapt: the tech landscape is constantly evolving,” says Venkatesh. “It is key for the leader to champion innovation and bring the entire organization on this journey.” 

Innovation is not just about technology; it’s about finding creative ways to solve business problems. A vital CIO will continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible, encouraging their teams to think outside the box and explore new ideas. This might involve implementing agile development practices, adopting open-source technologies, or experimenting with blockchain or Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. For Renee Pearson, GVP & CIO, Rollins Inc, it’s not only about pushing the boundaries, but managing the pace of innovation and change.  

“CIOs of today and in the future need to effectively manage the pace of technology innovation with the ability of their business to adopt and change, as well as their willingness to assume risk,” explains Renee Pearson, GVP & CIO, Rollins Inc. . 

Customer-Centric Approaches Are a Must 

Finally, a customer-centric approach is essential for a CIO in today’s digital age. Technology is at the heart of the customer experience, whether it’s through e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, or digital customer service channels. Prioritizing and designing the end-user experience to ensure technology initiatives enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty is a primary focus for CIOs. 

By adopting a customer-first mindset, CIOs can help their organizations stay ahead of customer expectations, driving greater engagement and long-term success. 

You need to prioritize UX and end users,” emphasizes Venkatesh. “Every task and application should be viewed from the end user’s lens and optimized with that view. Far too many times, applications are built in a way that is too cumbersome to use and proves difficult to navigate. There are several companies that do it really well, like Apple and Netflix, for example.” 

The Evolving Role of the CIO – Looking Ahead 

The CIO role has evolved into a strategic and influential position. While technology expertise remains essential, a successful CIO must possess a broad range of skills and values, including emotional intelligence, data-driven decision-making, a focus on innovation, and a customer-centric approach. By mastering these areas, along with what we covered in part one of this series, today’s CIOs will not only excel in their current roles but will also be well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.