What makes a great IT head

November 10, 2009 by Valerie Helmbreck

Posted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Technology

In the age of economic instability and corporate cutbacks, a great IT head is likely to be even more valuable than in the past. Here’s one management expert’s formula for an exceptional tech leader.

Jim Collins told a group of IT gurus at Gartner’s recent ITExpo that what distinguishes a mediocre tech leader from a stellar one includes:

Consistency: They have the discipline to follow through day in and day out.

Fact-based decisionmaking: They make decisions based on data. “The great look to data, empirical evidence,” Collins said. “Insight flows from empirics, not genius.”

Foresight: They have an ability to anticipate and build what’s needed before the need is apparent.

People value: They know just how incredibly important the right people are. They “get the right people in the right seats and then figure out where to drive the bus.”

Succession planning: They’ve planned ahead in case a key person departs

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Tags: CIO, Gartner, ITExpo, Jim Collins, Leadership

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