In a recent article, Mike Scheuerman makes the case for CIOs walking a line–holding a dual role between maintaining an efficient IT organization and creating value through technology.
Scheuerman’s distinction between the focus on Information and technology (big I, little t) is spot on. A C-suite position is all about connecting the operation with the company strategy. The technology is all about execution. It’s the Information (big I) that moves the strategy forward.
This distinction comes up more often when it comes to IT career paths as well. Would you rather be a programmer or a project manager? For some, graduation out of a core technology role into management means parting ways with what works for them. For others, the path to a big picture leadership role can’t be short enough.
Does the focus on big I spell problems for those whose greatest contributions are in the little t arena? Not with smart CIOs, who will find ways to continually engage IT staff regardless of their management ambitions–or lack thereof.
How does your organization connect its staff with opportunities in both the I and t?