Many of the most coveted IT director positions are
filled through headhunters, but what skills and experience are they
looking for? And how can IT directors attract their
attention?
At last month's meeting of the Computer Weekly 500 Club, Cathy
Holley, a partner at headhunting firm Boyden UK, outlined four key
attributes head- hunters look for in an IT director.
lCan you demonstrate leadership, rather than just showing you have
read the books? IT directors should give an example of the
leadership skills they have shown in their current job.
Holley said, "Do not tell me, 'I manage by walking about.' That is
not outstanding. Show me you can motivate your troops. Show me
leadership in a time of crisis."
lDo you understand business and not just IT? "Chief executives want
CIOs to have commercial acuity, not the ability to implement SAP in
90 countries in six weeks," said Holley.
"Show me something you have done that has transformed the business
of your organisation, not the IT. And know your numbers - if you
have no idea of your organisation's turnover and profitability, it
is thank you and goodbye."
lCan you influence the right people in your business? "This is not
just about presenting a good business case. This is about being
able to persuade someone to get into shark-infested water. Can you,
for example, persuade the chairman to can a pet project?" said
Holley.
lCan you think strategically? "This is different from planning a
five-year project to move off AS400s," she said.
"Can you demonstrate to me that you have come up with something
innovative for your business, such as a new product, service or way
of pricing which depends on using IT differently"
But how can IT directors acquire these skills? One option is to get
coaching from consultancies specialising in management and
communication skills.
Another option is for IT directors to raise their profile within
the industry by joining an IT networking group such as the Impact
Programme or CIO Connect. "The top CIOs network 50% of their time,"
said Holley.
Roderick Angwin, former CIO at retailer B&Q, advised speaking
at conferences, joining peer group organisations and working with
the press and headhunters.
He said, "Create your opportunities. Headhunters need to know you.
If a headhunter calls, nurture the relationship with them even if
you are not interested in the role they are offering at that point.
Help them find someone who is."
The market for top CIO jobs is extremely competitive, but Angwin
offered some consolation for senior job seekers.
"Many people out there are not outstanding - so if you are, you are
in great shape for a top role."
How to get noticed by headhunters
- Demonstrate leadership within the general business, not just
management of IT staff
- Demonstrate commercial knowledge and acuity. Know your firm's
turnover and profitability
- Show you can influence people - even if that may mean telling
them they are wrong
- Think strategically. This does not just include planning
technology roll-outs, but changing the way your firm does
business.
Source:Cathy Holley, Boyden UK
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