According to Gartner analysts, this may be the main tip for professionals to avoid greater difficulties in command of IT areas. Gartner warns that whether you're new to the CIO role or a seasoned professional, your first day at a new company is sure to hold some surprises, expected challenges, and likely a lot of paperwork to read.
"On your first day as a new CIO, there are some potentially damaging situations that open up in front of you," says Kelly Calhoun Williams, vice president of analytics at Gartner. "The good news is that the most experienced CIOs have repeatedly experienced these situations, and you can prepare yourself by looking for these stories."
According to Gartner, the five tips IT leaders should follow to avoid common pitfalls and achieve success on their journey are:
1. Redirect the ego to effectiveness – Although you have demonstrated to the company's management that you are the right person for the position, the truth is that your work is something unknown to your team, colleagues and suppliers. Resist the urge to establish your credibility by sharing success stories from your past experiences. Slowly go through the process of getting to know people, establishing their trust. Even if you have an impeccable track record to date, re-establish your brand from scratch to become a trusted leader.
2. Show your appreciation for the stories and demonstrate your partnership with the team – It is possible that one or more of your team members applied to be the company's new CIO – or even acted as interim CIO – but were not chosen. These candidates are likely to be disappointed, perhaps hurt and resentful. They might think you don't deserve the job. It's a very common situation. Pay extra attention to frustrated candidates, or those who are most resentful of your arrival, and work to dissuade them from any problems or to help them find a position elsewhere. The reality is that they usually move on anyway.
3. Evaluate your decisions in detail – Early decisions and with little information are usually a common way to set yourself up for failure. Remember that unless a serious crisis occurs, a few more weeks won't make a significant difference, but acting too soon can cause lasting damage that requires rework, redesign, or repair. Whether you want to stop or start a big project or replace important people on your team during the transition, being patient and acting consistently is always the best option.
4. Hold on tight – New CIOs often fall into the trap of blurting out early criticism of the previous leader's work, but IT staff and others may feel that the criticism is directed at them as well. Rest assured that your opinions as a new CIO are highly valued, but keep your criticisms for maximum accuracy and impact when you are sure you can make improvements.
5. Seek wise advice – Before you start, assemble a small, trusted group of advisors, made up of people who know you well – experts in your industry and powerful people in your new organization who are invested in your success. Otherwise, you run the risk of trusting the wrong people for political advice. This can lead you to make serious mistakes, facing the new organization's culture, norms and ways of working.
To discuss the topic and present tips on how to apply this process, Gartner analysts will present research and news during the Gartner IT Symposium/XpoTM 2019, Gartner's main event in Brazil, which will take place from October 28 to 31, which features the support from ABES. Use code BRYABS to get discount on registration.
It is the most important meeting of CIOs and IT executives in the world. Industry leaders rely on events like these to gain insights into how their organizations can use IT to overcome business challenges and improve their companies' operational efficiency. Follow news about events on Twitter: #GartnerSYM.
Applications for the Gartner IT Symposium/XpoTM 2019 can be made by calling (11) 5632-3109, 0800-7741440, e-mail conferencias.brasil@gartner.com or via the website www.gartner.com/br/symposium.
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