In my last post, I received a number of requests for me to be more specific when I say: “I am focusing on a career of technology leadership”. I apologize, that is a little jargony. How’s this…
I am seeking a position as an “IT Leader”.
Translation: “Head Geek with an MBA“
An IT Leader is the most senior executive in an organization responsible for the information technology and computer systems that support organization goals. The IT Leader most effectively reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is a key contributor in formulating strategic goals and implementing immediate business plans.
Common titles for the IT Leader role vary by organization size and structure, but include:
- Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO)*
- Vice President of Information Technology
- Director of Information Technology
* The title of CIO is sometimes used interchangeably with Chief Technology Officer (CTO) though they are different functions. In smaller technology-oriented organizations, the IT Leader is often responsible for both roles.
More specifically, an IT Leader is involved with analyzing and reworking existing business processes, with identifying and developing the capability to use new tools, with reshaping the enterprise’s physical infrastructure and network access, and with identifying and exploiting the enterprise’s knowledge resources.
I’m touched by all the support I’ve received from friends, family and coworkers. I hope this post helps clarify those situations where I have the most to offer!
View my resume.
Thanks for translating the Geek into English. <3
I won’t even pretend I understood this but you have my full support regardless. Team Smith is available 24-7 for you
You tha man, Mr. Smith.
Christopher,
I happened on this posting, and it triggered some thoughts. I’ve been spending some time thinking about IT Leadership, Leadership culture vs managment and IT management.
My personal feeling is that leadership is different than being a manager. Sometimes a leader is the manager and that’s the best scenario. Having the MBA and being the position of a CTO gives a person the education and authority to be the manager of an IT department. It may even make them the best person to lead, but these (In my opinion and of course, i don’t know everything despite what my ego tesll me) accomplishiments by themself don’t make the person an IT leader.
Leadership is about aligning thinking with a vision. Then building a leadership team that is focused on the same vision. The vision of each leader within an organization should be the vision of the organization.
The MBA gives you the vocabulary to see and understand the business vision of your organization.
The “Geek” part of you allows you to translate the organizational vision into language your technical team understands.
As an IT leader you are developing an IT Leaderships within the IT culture of your organization. This group of IT leaders are in alignment with the Leadership culture of your organization.
A CTO/CIO is a managerial position and in the best sceario, should be both a leader and a manager. In reality not all managers are good leaders. Many leaders are not good managers.
The direction I’ve chosen for my life is similiar to yours. My goal is to be an IT leader also. I have my MBA and 20+ years experience climbing the technical rungs from deskotp support to operations manager. It’s my personal feeling that technical failures, at thier root cause, are actually leadership failures disguised as technical failures.
I really enjoyed your post. Gave me a chance to think. Thanks for sharing.