Lyle Yorks

Strategic Information Technology. Best Practices to Drive Digital Transformation

Lyle Yorks

Successfully navigate the changing face of the CIO role Strategic Information Technology offers CIOs a handbook for engaging with the senior management conversations surrounding strategy. The CIO role is currently undergoing a massive transition from technology-focused expert to a more strategic mindset, and this book provides proven methods for taking your seat at the table. Lessons from high-performing CIOs and a wealth of leading-edge insight provide invaluable guidance for positioning technology as a strategic driver across the business, while a focus on building the necessary connections—for example, an alliance between IT and HR—provide a multimodal approach to navigating the transition. The evolution of the CIO’s role involves more than simply technical knowledge; the new CIO must be an influencer, an engager, and just as adept at the soft skills that become increasingly crucial as you climb the management ladder. It’s about changing mindsets, translating hard skills into strategic advantages, and demonstrating IT’s value to the strategic decision making process. This book provides best practices, illustrative examples, and up-to-date perspective for CIOs wanting to: Position IT as a critical driver of overall strategy Build on functional expertise with strategic insight Learn from the stories of successful tech-to-strategy transformations Engage C-Suite peers in shaping the strategic conversation Not long ago, the CIO occupied a unique place in the C-Suite. Executive by title, CIOs have nevertheless been seen as predominantly the “chief tech expert” with little input into strategy, as IT has historically been regarded as a tool rather than a source of competitive advantage. The truth is becoming increasingly apparent, with companies around the world turning to technology in order to gain a competitive edge, and CIOs are beginning to claim their place in strategy discussions. Strategic Information Technology offers much needed guidance for a successful transformation.

Strategic IT. Best Practices for Managers and Executives

Lyle Yorks

Solid guidance for CIOs on integration of technology into business models Strategic IT Best Practices for IT Managers and Executives is an exciting new book focused on the transition currently taking place in the CIO role, which involves developing a capacity for thinking strategically and effectively engaging peers in the senior executive team. This involves changing both theirs, and often their colleagues', mindsets about technology and their role in the organization. Straightforward and clear, this book fills the need for understanding the learning processes that have shaped the strategic mindsets of technology executives who have successfully made the transition from a technology-focused expert mindset to a strategic orientation that adds value to the business. Defines strategy advocacy as a process through which technology leaders in organizations build on their functional expertise Focuses on the shift in mindset necessary for technology executives to establish a seat at the table in the C suite as a respected strategic colleague Includes stories of high performing CIOs and how they learned successful strategies for getting technology positioned as a strategic driver across the business Written by Art Langer and Lyle Yorks, recognized authorities in the areas of technology management and leadership, Strategic IT Best Practices for IT Managers and Executives includes anecdotes from CIOs at companies including BP, Prudential, Covance, Guardian, Merck, and others.