Throughout 2020, all members of the c-suite – as well as the senior stakeholders that report into them – were subjected to immense pressure. The various stressors of the pandemic have foregrounded our need to better align business-critical teams and tasks to the needs of the senior leaders.

Ostensibly we need more responsive solutions and strategies that help us to keep pace with change and this must all be driven by a newer, more dynamic leadership style.

The Modern CIO

With the role and responsibilities of the technology leader in flux, we need to deploying innovative solutions that can move faster than traditional corporate tactics. This will be key to securing a commercial future in the post-pandemic, but what qualities should the modern CIO embody to guarantee the success of such innovations?

First and foremost, modern businesses need transformation advocates and this was an issue even prior to the existence of Covid-19. According to McKinsey’s IT strategy survey for example, 79% of IT executives were still in the earliest stages of technological transformation in late 2018. Even in 2018, we could see that it was ignorant to neglect technological transformation, in 2021, it would be negligent.

Aside from acting as technological tastemakers and forecasters for the future, the modern CIO must work across every segment of their business as a trailblazer, a change advocate, HR expert, culture innovator and communications expert. In short, they should represent the change that they wish to see across their respective organizations, accordingly, they will be:

Business advocates who work well with fellow executives, board members, and employees to gain a deeper insight into their individual business operations. Working collaboratively with employees across all levels will build a community of dedicated software, hardware and innovation engineers, and ultimately see you pave the way with a dedicated team around you.

HR experts constantly on the lookout for new staff members that represent the best and brightest in their field. They will also continue to train and upskill existing staff to improve retention and contribute to the technological revolution. Being a dynamic leader in this way will allow you to develop better relationships with your team.

Transformation operators who approach change as an iterative process and highlight its importance amongst leaders across industries. Despite its challenges, this isn’t something to shy away from. Preparing for risk is an intrinsic part of preparing for change. Be bold and be brave.

Communication leaders who help quantify and define the value of the technology that they plan to implement. They will also help the less technically literate in the organization to realize and activate its benefit whether through training programs or regular all-hands meetings.

Workplace culture specialists who support collaboration regimens for both remote staff as well as those working in-office, all with a view to build a community of dedicated software, hardware and innovation engineers.

There has never been a better time to be an effective CIO. The scope of the position is widening to help them to surge towards more dynamic working models, and we’re now in a world where at least 84% of top CIOs have responsibility for areas of the business outside traditional IT.

To stay ahead of Covid, it’s vital to the success of any business that CIOs rise to their challenges, incorporating flexible, forward-thinking and, synergy focused solutions to aid in revolution. As the most technologically literate in most organizations – alongside CTOs and CDOs – we can expect the responsibilities and importance of the CIO to grow near daily.

Continue the debate at the CIO Insight Summit, a GDS Summit, where we bring together senior supply chain executives who are actively seeking to share, learn, engage, and find the best technology solutions.

GDS Group hosts experts to help experts. We strive to provide an atmosphere for our attendees that enables them to confidently lead their companies through major transformation projects. For information on upcoming events, view our view our Digital Summits. To remain current on our activities, visit GDS Group on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter.