EY-CIOs-Born-to-be-digital

Section 3A mindset forchange:six traits of thedigital-ready CIOThose CIOs most engaged in corporate development showstriking differences in how they approach their jobs.We find these attributes to be closest to the core set of skillsand capabilities needed to drive the digital transformation,from vision and storytelling, to courage and a focus ongrowth. However, they’re just as applicable to any CIOwanting to stand out and perform in their role.An IT-intensive company can provide the ideal context for CIOs toembrace digital. But to actually do so still requires the individual inquestion to find the motivation to lead this change. In short, itdemands a different mindset.To delve deeper into this mindset, we assessed the characteristicsof those CIOs most engaged in the strategic elements of their jobs,who are delivering both on business transformation as well asbusiness model-related innovation. These are the two elements thatThe DNA of the CIO identified as the most helpful for CIOs trying tostand out in their role — and they are, as this research reveals,fundamental aspects of driving digital transformation. While allthree sections of the wheel together represent the full remit of anygiven CIO, those IT leaders who push hardest and use innovation tochange and develop their business are the ones most likely to bebuilding a truly digital business.Among the IT-intensive industry CIOs surveyed, nearly one in four(38%) were focusing far more on these most strategic elements ofthe job. These leading CIOs show an ability to reframe their thinkingand present a positive story to the rest of the business about howtechnology can deliver a very different future. “A lot of this is aboutbeing proactive. Being able to walk in and suggest where theopportunities are for the organization. Too many CIOs are simplyreactive, which is why they lose credibility with the rest of thebusiness,” explains EY’s Americas IT Advisory Leader Bob Sydow.This proactive approach is apparent in the wide range of areas inwhich these leading CIOs seek to create value, with strongengagement across everything from product innovation andoperational agility, through to supporting decision-making. At thesame time, they also carefully manage expectations, walking thefine line between keeping the business excited about the potentialof IT, while keeping a realistic sense of what’s truly possible.18 | Born to be digital