The CIO's 2 New BFFs - InformationWeek

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Comments
The CIO's 2 New BFFs
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Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
7/2/2014 | 3:03:11 PM
Re: CDO turf
@Ashish: I do think we're in a state of C-Level overload, and in today's media some CEOs in particular are treated like rock stars, especially in the U.S. It seems from where I sit that corporations based outside the U.S. take a much more realistic view of the C-level roles and the display of wealth is far less ostentatious, for example. 

There's also just an overload of title creep: Everybody gets VP or director titles these days, so the next big thing is to snag a Chief Something Or Other title. The real question is what actual poewr comes along with that title...
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
7/2/2014 | 2:58:57 PM
Re: CDO turf
@Ashish: So glad you found it useful. I have learned so  much from reading this book, and also it has helped me understand how most corporate environments are so heavily tilted toward extroverts as to be damaging. Even something as basic as office design really does not allow for the introvert to be truly productive at work. I hope this can be the start of some new thinking about how corporations accommodate different kinds of people.
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
7/2/2014 | 2:50:08 PM
Re: CDO turf
@WaqasAtlaf: And it may well turn out that this is a position that is only necessary for a certain number of years as companies make the transition into being truly digital from end to end. There's a lot of importance to the person who can be the liaison to bring disparate groups together in an organization to mold the future strategy, whatever that person's title  may be.
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
7/2/2014 | 2:44:01 PM
Re: CDO turf
@SaneIT: Can we clone you? Sersiously, so few managers have such an enlightened, ego-less view of their roles. Your personal insights on this topic can be put into practice at any level of one's career. Let me ask: Did you learn this from a mentor or guide, or has this always been your personal philosophy since you began your career?
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
7/2/2014 | 2:35:35 PM
Re: CDO turf
@tjgkg: Fair enough, though I think anyone who tried to fill Jobs' shoes would have faced the same level of scrutiny and criticism, even if they were a more dynamic personality. Jobs left a huge void and I'm challenged to think of any exec who could fill it. Maybe Elon Musk?
larryloeb
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larryloeb,
 User Rank: Author
6/28/2014 | 3:52:41 PM
Re: CDO turf
@Ashu

I'm glad your thoughts and mine align here. 

It's not the title so much as what you do with it.
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
6/25/2014 | 4:06:12 PM
Re: Amazing
@SachinEE: Eventually, many copmanies will be forced to change their approach and culture toward this digital-forward mindset. And that is, truly, what it is at the core: A shift in corporate mindset. It's good to see, in the examples you cite, industries that have sometimes been viewed as being behind the curve when it comes to using technology are now actually embracing it for the betterment of the organizaitons and the people they serve (particulary healthcare and government). While there will be missteps along the way, any step forward is a sign of progress.
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
6/25/2014 | 4:03:17 PM
Re: CDO turf
@tjgkg: Sadly in most organizations that is the case, and those who do get things accomplished oftentimes get overlooked or not credited with it. This is also, in part, due to the fact that our business culture in the U.S. tends to reward the extrovert over the introvert. I'm reading a fascinating book on this topic right now, called "Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking." I highly recommend! It discusses the challenges that introverts face in climbing the corporate ladder, among many other eye-opening topics related to what our business culture is all about. All we need to do is look at the flaming that Apple's Tim Cook is getting to see just how difficult it is to not fit the mold in today's corporate environment.
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
6/25/2014 | 3:59:06 PM
Re: CDO turf
@WaqasAtlaf: lack of persistence is spot on, and I would add that with so many shifting priorities in an organization, it becomes very difficult for many people to keep their eyes on the endgame and fully execute.

That's certainly been my experience, when I look back at great ideas that never saw the light of day. More often than not, it was because I had too many conflicting priorities and immediate, hair-on-fire deadlines, and so anything that was not crucial got pushed to the back burner, or pushed off the stove entirely.
Susan_Nunziata
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Susan_Nunziata,
 User Rank: Strategist
6/25/2014 | 3:56:11 PM
Re: CDO turf
@H-H: Ah, such a good question! The best that a person can do, I think, is to try not to take anything personally, understand as best as possible what is motivating all the players, and be honest and forthcoming with all parties. It may end up backfiring on you, but at least you can go home and look yourself in the mirror at night! And, if the political situation in the organization is truly  toxic, I would suggest finding another place to work if at all possible.
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