Top priorities for a CIO in their first 100 days

As a CIO, the first 100 days in a new role can be a critical time for setting the direction and priorities for the organisation’s technology strategy.

Here are some key areas that CIOs should focus on during their initial tenure:

1. Assessing the current technology landscape

CIOs need to have a clear understanding of the current state of the organisation’s technology infrastructure, including hardware, software, and security systems. This will help identify any areas that need to be updated or replaced and will serve as a foundation for the development of a long-term technology roadmap.

2. Building relationships with key stakeholders

CIOs need to establish strong relationships with other members of the executive team, as well as with department heads and other key stakeholders. These relationships will be critical for gaining support for technology initiatives and for ensuring that the technology strategy is aligned with the overall goals of the organisation.

3. Identifying and prioritising critical initiatives

CIOs should work with the executive team to identify the most important technology initiatives that need to be undertaken in the near term. These initiatives should be prioritised based on their potential impact on the organisation and on their ability to support the overall goals of the organisation.

4. Developing a cybersecurity strategy

Cybersecurity is a critical issue for all organisations, and CIOs must be proactive in developing a strategy to protect against cyber threats. This includes assessing the organisation’s current security systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing best practices to protect against cyber attacks.

5. Leveraging technology to drive innovation

CIOs should also look for ways to leverage technology to drive innovation within the organisation. This might include implementing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or blockchain, or developing new processes that leverage existing technologies in new ways.

6. Building a strong team

CIOs need to build a strong team of technology professionals who can help implement the technology strategy and support the organisation’s goals. This includes recruiting top talent, providing training and development opportunities, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

7. Creating a powerful vision

Finally, CIOs need to create a strong and compelling vision that not only inspires the team and stakeholders but is inspiring enough to encourage people to work towards something bigger than themselves.

By focusing on these key areas during their first 100 days, CIOs can set the stage for a successful tenure and help ensure that the organisation’s technology strategy is aligned with its overall goals.