How Digital CIOs Manage Their Time

Earlier this year I published the post, What discipline should CIO master to drive transformation, where I highlighted the importance of time management skills CIOs must master when leading digital transformation programs

In this post I expand the analysis to show two other operating scenarios and illustrate each priority based on its impact on growth versus running the business.

The CIO Leading Transformation

The scenario I highlighted in the original post is shown below and provides more detail. While running transformation programs, CIOs get more involved in engaging customers, developing products, application development, aligning senior leadership, and data and analytics programs.

The CIO During Strategic Planning

During the budget season and strategic planning periods, many CIO shift gears and priorities. They are more likely to be working with the C-Suite and general managers on business plans, preparing for Board presentations, engaging sales and marketing on their needs, and working with their analytics teams to ensure decisions are data driven. They are also likely to be working with their PMOs and technology leads to plan out the next year's initiatives and investments.

The CIO in Crisis Management

When there is a major business issue or crisis, the CIO is more likely to be working with their Operational and Security teams, followed by the non-tech and tech staff that are tied to the issue. They will engage the C-Suite to keep them informed on the issue and current status. They will also work with Sales and Marketing leads to make sure the appropriate communications are sent to customers.

CIOs and Their Leadership Staff

Unfortunately the real world is more complicated as different businesses have conflicting needs. A CIO might be working with one business unit to plan a major growth initiative while at the same time be fighting a crisis for a second unit.

This is where a CIOs have to communicate with their lieutenants. They should be clear on their focus and where they need their lieutenants to step in and take ownership. Sometimes that means delegating strategic work to lieutenants and other times, having a lieutenant fully manage a crisis.

And that's how CIOs get more done - and how lieutenants learn to become CIOs.

Feel free to review the full CIO Time Management Dashboard.