The Journey to Becoming a CIO: It’s Not a Silver Bullet

One of the most common misconceptions among aspiring CIOs is the belief that there’s a “silver bullet” that will magically qualify them for this highly coveted role. The reality is far from that. Achieving a CIO position is not about finding an easy shortcut but rather about demonstrating your ability to succeed in your current role and gradually building up the skills and experiences needed to take on greater responsibilities.

Proving Yourself First

Years ago, I had an employee who wanted to be promoted to a higher-level position. He frequently told me that if I promoted him, he would then prove that he could perform at that level. My response was always the same: show me that you can excel in your current position, demonstrate some of the skills required for the next level, and then I’ll consider promoting you. The work comes first, not afterward.

This principle applies directly to those aspiring to become CIOs. If you want to be a CIO, you must first demonstrate that you have the capabilities needed for the role. Recruiters and companies are not looking for people who might succeed; they want to see proven success stories. This means you need to build a track record of achievements in your current role before you can realistically aim for a CIO position.

Eight Essential Qualifications for a CIO

Becoming a CIO requires developing a specific set of skills and qualities. Here’s my list of the top eight qualifications you’ll need:

  1. Ability to Inspire Confidence and Trust: This is often referred to as “poise” or “charisma.” It’s a hard-to-define quality that comes from experience, self-confidence, and the assurance that you’ll succeed in whatever you undertake. Most importantly, you inspire others to believe in your success without needing to say it explicitly.
  2. Effective Communication Skills: A CIO must communicate clearly and succinctly with any audience, whether it’s the board of directors, investors, or entry-level employees. Effective communication isn’t just about conveying facts; it’s about connecting with your audience on an emotional level, and motivating them to take action.
  3. Consistent Ethical Behavior: It’s crucial to consistently demonstrate ethical behavior. Knowing what’s right for yourself, your organization, and your company — and acting on that knowledge — is non-negotiable.
  4. Intelligence and Wisdom: Intelligence helps you understand what needs to be done, while wisdom guides you in knowing what should be avoided and how to achieve your goals effectively.
  5. Good Judgment: This is about knowing when and how to say or do what’s necessary. Good judgment is often born from experience, which usually comes from learning from past mistakes — yours or others’.
  6. Recognition of Your Own Limitations: While it’s important to be confident in your abilities, it’s equally important to understand your limitations. This self-awareness helps you avoid overextending yourself and makes you more effective in the long run.
  7. Motivation to Be a CIO: The drive to become a CIO must be strong enough to sustain you through the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role. Without this intrinsic motivation, reaching this level will be difficult.
  8. Interest in Applying Technology to Improve Business: Interestingly, a successful CIO doesn’t need to be a technology expert. What matters is your ability to leverage technology to drive business success. The focus should be on how technology can make your company more competitive, productive, and innovative.

How to Become a CIO

Start by being realistic about your qualifications. Do you possess the eight skills mentioned above, or are you on the path to acquiring them? Some of these skills can be developed over time, but others are rooted in your fundamental personality. It’s important to recognize whether you’re suited for the role of CIO. If you are, the next step is to focus on creating business successes that will get you noticed.

Remember, technology achievements alone won’t get you recognized as a CIO. The key is to translate those successes into measurable business outcomes — whether that means improving your company’s productivity, enhancing competitiveness, or even changing the industry landscape. Use your current role to demonstrate your ability to think from your customers’ viewpoints and drive business success through technology.

Conclusion

Becoming a CIO isn’t about making a single leap; it’s about taking continuous steps in your career progression. By meeting and exceeding business needs at every stage, you position yourself as a strong candidate for the CIO role when the opportunity arises.