Taking the Reins as CIO

An executive's transition into any leadership role can be a challenge. Such transitions do not always go smoothly, and the negative consequences can be significant. This is particularly so for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), as the role has evolved significantly over the years yet remains deeply ambiguous. This is despite information and technology moving from the periphery of an organization to a fundamental driver of innovation and competitive advantage.

This book is to help the newly appointed CIO "take charge": the process of learning and taking action that the newly appointed CIO goes through until s/he has mastered the new assignment in sufficient depth to be effective in the role. This book provides keen insights into the challenges faced by today's CIOs while transitioning into a new role and enlightens readers on how to navigate the organizational environment in order to implement necessay changes. With plenty of practical guidance and insights it will help you to:

• Decide how best to approach the job
• Structure your transition to follow the three phases of taking charge that the research has identified
• Prioritize the first areas of the business you should attend to
• Draw up your goals for the first few weeks and months into the role
• Identify decisions that you can postpone making

Based on over 200 interviews with CIOs, CxOs, and recruiters, this book offers readers guidance on how to take on the role of a business executive with special responsibility for information and technology, with ten key prescriptions to maximize success.

1. The Ambiguity of the CIO Role
2. No CIO Is an Island
3. How New Leaders "Fit In"
4. Setting the Stage for CIO Transitions
5. Beyond the 90 Days: Taking Charge
6. The Phases of Taking Charge
7. The Other Side of the Coin
8. Peers, Relationships and Influence
9. Taking Off: Guidance to CIOs
10. Advice from CIOs to CIOs

A good book that really explains what it means to get into the CIO role, even if the advice is pretty generic for any new person coming to the C-Suite (but the authors point out the unique circumstances for CIOs as well).

All in all, a good book well worth reading (even if it was sometimes a bit repetitive).