How CEOs Can Align CIOs, CISOs, and CDOs for Successful Digital Transformation
The reason why technology crisis very rarely happens is not because of technology itself but rather mainly due to inconsistencies of executive vision. A CIO pays attention to systems. A CISO is in charge of cyber security. Meanwhile, the CDO works on data quality issues that influence business decisions. Even if all aims above are justified, they may be problematic if all executives go in different ways.
At this moment, the role of the CEO becomes crucial.
Create a Unified Vision
It has to be mentioned that the alignment begins from one and the same business goal, and not from various technology problems. Instead of the evaluation of each executive based on independent objectives, CEOs should implement targets that all of the leaders are responsible for. Improving customer experience, speeding up innovations, and increasing operational resilience are the examples of the objectives that naturally lead to issues.
A common goal allows a more defined approach to making decisions.
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Encourage Collaboration and Not Competition
Tech leaders usually meet only when it is time to approve something or when problems appear. This is wrong, as such an approach hinders strategic thinking. Frequent conversations among the CIO, CISO, and CDO help to spot issues and opportunities early.
For example, a new AI platform can lead to increased productivity; however, success will also depend on the security of the infrastructure and the quality of data. Involving all of the parties from the onset helps to avoid costly redesigns and contradictions later.
Measure Success Together
The way performance metrics track behaviors. If each executive is rewarded for the performance only within his/her own department, the collaboration will quickly become the second issue. CEOs need to integrate common performance indicators of the success that will follow the organization as a whole and not each department individually.
Thus, it can be said that digital transformation means not only implementation of new technologies but also creation of the added value through working together.
