CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 32

something we need to move beyond.
When I started out, I had to reach out of my

To this day, when I coach IT professionals,
I strongly encourage them to think big and

comfort zone so that I could take a chance doing

think holistically. This approach can create new

some unconventional things. I recall inviting a

opportunities for yourself, your IT organization,

vice president at the manufacturing company

and your business. Be bold with pursuing your

where I worked to give a speech on the roof of

dreams; the worst that can happen is finding out

our office in Philadelphia. We were launching

that the timing isn't right. If you don't try, you'll

a new microwave link between headquarters

never know.

and one of our plants-a new technology at the

I once invited the CEO of a large company

time that would significantly reduce our costs.

where I worked to the fourth floor, where the

Launching this new service on the roof was a

IT organization was located, to give him a

great way to gain visibility for IT. When I look

demonstration of our new business-intelligence

back now, I wonder, "What was I thinking inviting

services. When he came down from the executive

the company's VP on the roof to christen a new

floor to our humble conference room, you would

microwave network?" But when I asked, he said

have thought a famous celebrity had entered the

yes, and it became a great marketing event to

room. This was the first time he had ever visited

promote what we were doing.

the IT department. But all that was needed was

That was important, because marketing
IT accomplishments or significant events is

the courage to ask.
If you don't take risks, it's hard to move the

something in which we tend to underinvest. But

dial-whether you're talking about your career or

you'll get appreciation and support when you take

anything else you're trying to achieve. Have the

the time to creatively tell your story in a way that

courage to try something different, and it may

allows business and IT partners to understand the

change your life!

value of what you're doing.

TAKEAWAYS
*	 If	you	want	to	get	ahead,	you	have	to	take	charge	of	your	career.	Identify	what	
your aspirations are and what you need to do to reach your goals. Sometimes that
means learning something new, assuming stretch responsibilities in the organization, or even moving to a different company altogether.
*		 Look	out	three	to	five	years,	and	set	targets	for	yourself	each	year.	Then	get	the	
experience you need to reach your next objective. You will then have a career road
map that becomes your guide. At the same time, don't close the door on unexpected opportunities that present themselves.
*		 Building	relationships	is	a	cornerstone	to	successful	leadership,	regardless	of	the	
organization's structure. Build relationships with your peers and higher ups and
vendors. Make sure everyone knows who you are and what you're about before
you tackle the hard stuff. These are the people who are going to make or break the
initiatives you pursue.
32



CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8

Contents
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - Cover1
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - Cover2
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 1
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - Contents
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 3
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 4
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 5
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 6
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 7
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 8
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 9
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 10
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 11
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 12
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 13
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 14
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 15
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 16
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 17
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 18
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 19
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 20
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 21
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 22
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 23
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 24
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 25
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 26
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 27
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 28
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 29
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 30
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 31
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 32
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 33
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 34
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 35
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 36
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 37
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 38
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 39
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 40
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 41
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 42
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 43
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 44
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 45
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 46
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 47
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 48
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 49
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 50
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 51
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 52
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 53
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 54
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 55
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 56
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 57
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 58
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 59
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 60
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 61
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 62
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 63
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 64
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 65
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 66
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 67
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 68
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 69
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 70
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 71
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 72
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 73
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 74
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - 75
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - Cover3
CIO Straight Talk - Issue 8 - Cover4
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