Keep in mind to be the most efficient sometimes requires a level of investment. For example, investing in employee training could/should result in more efficiency from that employee. If a CIO can demonstrate a commitment to operational efficiency and its direct impact on the company’s financial success, the IT organization will be less likely seen just as a necessary (evil) expense.
The pace of technology change is staggering. Unlike any other executive, the CIO’s challenges are changing every day. However, if a CIO successfully aligns and delivers on the objectives defined in these three categories, they will gain understanding and trust from other business leaders required to avoid an early ‘demise’.