Power, Entrepreneur, Struggling and Unaligned- What Type of CIO are You?

CIOs are constantly dealing with change and the personal power they display in doing so creates all the difference. CIOs differ in terms of their mental make up to exploit the existing opportunities or to take on the challenge with perseverance.

There are many ways of defining or classifying the CIOs. I have discovered four types of CIOs- Power, Entrepreneur, Struggling and Unaligned.

This typology of CIOs is based upon two fundamental aspects-

1.    The resourcefulness of the context

The context in which a CIO operates is also a seat of vital resources like financial budgets, top management support for IT, strategic need for IT etc. The resourcefulness of the context is a strong predictor of a CIO’s success, but so is the CIO’s ability to acquire, appropriate, leverage and even create resources. 

2.     CIO’s ability

CIO’s ability sums up the degree of personal commitment, conviction, courage and capability on part of the CIO. It also includes the CIO's ability to sense and adapt to the situation, relate with people especially the power centres, create business relevant technology solutions etc.

Both the resourcefulness of the context and the CIO's ability are required towards role effectiveness. In other words, both the social and psychological (and their interaction i.e. the socio-psychological) are important. (The two are quite interrelated, but that is for another blog.)

Based on these two aspects, we can create a matrix as given below, thus defining the four kind of CIOs.

High	Power CIO		Entrepreneur CIO
Context Resourcefulness
	Struggling CIO		Unaligned CIO
Low
	Low	CIO Capability		High

Let's now understand the four types-

1. Power CIO

The power CIO operates from an inner locus of control, with a very high degree of commitment to change. By nature this CIO does not like status quo and is constantly looking for better ways. There is also a deeper need for achievement and personal effectiveness. The CIO also has tremendous power to influence and deal with the power centres. He is restless yet empathetic. He can operate in a non conducive environment and create resources through his acts. There are very difficult times but he can persevere. Once done, he may want to move on as challenges motivate him.

2. Entrepreneur CIO

Entrepreneur CIOs are also powerful but they act in contexts with untapped resources and opportunities. They act to acquire, appropriate and leverage existing resources. They also create resources but not to the extent as power CIOs do. 

3. Struggling CIO 

Struggling CIOs operate in non conducive contexts and without personal power to make a difference. More often than not, he would have an external locus of control leading him to blame external factors. Sometimes if they operate from an internal locus of control, making them indulge in self beating. A critical question the CIO should ask is whether their context needs a CIO and whether he is a CIO.

4. Unaligned CIO 

Despite a conducive context, these CIOs remain unsigned with the needs and expectations of the organisation. This may be due to lack of capability or the inner connection with the role. Their energies are low and whenever it is spent, it is spent on non required activities. Quite often, they spend time on external seminars and networking opportunities for job search. Many a time such CIOs do not last for long in organisations. Due to self defensive behaviours, such CIOs may not even accept or be aware of their state. 

I would like to make it clear that the two aspects of contextual resources and CIO ability are not absolute; they are always in relation with the type of IT maturity expected in the organisation i.e. the core purpose for which IT is used. Hence, as the purpose of IT evolve, one's definition as a CIO will also change. 

Ask yourself which type describes you the best. Do not hesitate to seek help from a professional behavioural specialist, who may help you. Awareness is of utmost importance for a more fulfilled and satisfying career as a CIO.