The Transformational CIO: Leadership and Innovation Strategies for IT Executives in a Rapidly Changing World

Praise for The Transformational CIO "The Transformational CIO presents what may be the first (and only) comprehensive view of the multiple dimensions of challenges that CIOs are facing. It goes beyond just the technical ′flavor of the day′ (e.g., cloud computing) and integrates a complete view of business, cultural, and leadership factors that must be considered. It goes further than that as a guide, a trip planner, and perhaps a basic reference for success in the complex times to come." —Howard Rubin, founder, Rubin Worldwide "Today′s CIOs are under intense pressure to generate results for the business. This book paints a clear picture of how CIOs must operate to achieve success in a highly competitive world." —Mark Polansky, Senior Client Partner and Managing Director, Information Technology Officers Practice, Korn/Ferry International "This book will definitely help CIOs navigate through the turbulence of today′s business environment. The pace of change has accelerated dramatically, and CIOs really have to stay ahead of the curve if they want to succeed." —Greg Fell, Vice President and CIO, Terex Corporation "I am always energized to talk with, and attend events organized by Hunter Muller. I think Hunter has developed a unique brand of thought leadership around the constantly evolving role of the CIO. This book will crystallize many of the ideas that Hunter has been sharing with my peers and myself for the last few years." —Jon Harding, CIO, Conair Corporation

Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. Don′t Be Afraid to Change Your Game. What You Need to Know Now about Business Transformation Strategy. The New Yin and Yang of IT. Is Everyone Really a Transformational Leader? Moving Target. Transformation, Then and Now. Four Steps to Success. Great Things Happen to Great CIOs. An Overhead Smash. A Model for Transportation. Chapter 1: Vision and Organization. Bringing the Vision to Life. One Transformation Leads to Another. Going Global. Building the Leadership Team. Demonstrating Value. “It′s More about the Future”. Maintaining the Momentum. Don′t Be Afraid to Inspire People. Chapter 2: Culture and Change. Overturning the Status Quo. From Pentagon to Pyramid. Elevated Perceptions. Organic Innovation. Establish the Baseline. Riding Two Horses. Faster and Cheaper. IT at the “Scrub Sink”. Demystifying IT. Chapter 3: Partnering with the Business. Connecting at Multiple Levels. The “Outsider”. Transitioning to Global Leadership. Being Where the Strategy Is Set. What′s Really Important to the Business? The Age of Immediacy. New Convergence. Unedited Interview with Marc Benioff. Chapter 4: The Art and Science of IT Leadership. A Continuous Process of Engagement. Best of Both Worlds. IT Thought Leadership. A Magical Decision. “Put Yourself in the CEO′s Shoes”. Confronting Reality. No Illusions. Chapter 5: Mapping Your Future What I Really Want Is a Business Partner… Get Yourself a Business Mentor and a Coach. Do I Really Need an MBA? Your Seat at the Table Is Waiting. Are You Sowing Seeds for Success – or Failure? Managing Expectations. Chapter 6: The First 30 Days. Let Everyone Know That You′re Organized. Move Quickly and Confidently. Alter Perceptions. Tone Matters. Technology Last. Building from Scratch. Chapter 7: CIO Evolution. Keeping It Simple. Tight Linkage Ensures Buy–In. Transitioning from Operational to Strategic. Chapter 8: The Road Ahead. A Time for IT Leadership. Figuring Out What′s Relevant. Hot and Getting Hotter. Challenges and Caveats. The End of “Inside” versus “Outside”. Strategic Sourcing and Business Value. Little Ideas Can Go a Long Way. Let′s Get Granular. Don′t Chase Low Unit Costs. A Dose of Common Sense. The Last Word. Recommended Reading. About the Author. About HMG Strategy, LLC. Index.

HUNTER MULLER is the President and CEO of HMG Strategy, LLC (www.hmgstrategy.com), an established provider of networking events and professional services to CIOs and senior executives across the IT industry. HMG Strategy is the producer of world–class events such as the CIO Executive Leadership Series, which provides CIOs and senior executives with opportunities to learn from thought leaders, share knowledge and best practices, and interact with peers and industry leaders representing a wide variety of dynamic markets.