A recent CEO roundtable on leadership development emphasized that effective leadership doesn’t happen by chance, it requires intentionality and structured support. While the discussion focused on strategies for developing leaders at every level, these insights are particularly relevant for CIOs looking to strengthen their IT leadership teams. Building leadership depth across direct reports ensures that IT strategy is aligned with business goals, creates continuity in decision-making, and fosters a more resilient organization.
By applying structured development practices, balancing strategic and operational growth, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and building trust, CIOs can cultivate a team capable of driving long-term success.
Why It Matters: Strengthening leadership across IT creates a more adaptive, innovative, and resilient organization. A well-developed team allows the CIO to delegate effectively and focus on strategic priorities.
- Set Clear Leadership Development Goals for IT Leaders: CIOs should establish specific leadership goals for each direct report, including strategic thinking, decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. These goals should align with the company’s broader business objectives to ensure that each direct report contributes directly to overall success.
- Expose IT Leaders to Strategic Decision-Making: Direct reports should regularly attend executive-level meetings and strategic planning sessions. This gives them firsthand experience with high-level business challenges and helps them understand how IT strategy supports broader organizational goals. Encourage them to present insights and solutions to senior leadership to build confidence and strategic perspective.
- Create Structured Feedback and Performance Reviews: Conduct regular reviews focused on leadership skills such as team management, communication, and strategic thinking. Provide actionable feedback on how IT leaders are managing their teams, resolving conflicts, and driving business outcomes. Encourage 360-degree feedback to give them a well-rounded view of their leadership style.
- Delegate Authority and Encourage Independent Decision-Making: Gradually give IT leaders more control over budgets, project priorities, and vendor management. Empower them to make strategic decisions while providing guidance and support. This builds trust and helps them develop confidence in their leadership capabilities.
- Develop Cross-Functional Leadership Skills: Assign direct reports to lead projects that require collaboration with other business units like finance, operations, and marketing. This helps them understand how IT impacts other areas of the business and strengthens their ability to drive company-wide innovation.
Go Deeper -> Building Effective Leaders – Chief Executive
