More than two-thirds of CIOs say that their CEOs view IT as a cost of doing business?and not, unfortunately, as a business enabler. That’s according to a survey of more than 700 CIOs by Meta Group. Findings from CIO’s “State of the CIO 2003” survey showed similar numbers: A whopping 84 percent of 539 respondents said IT was budgeted as a cost center, while only 16 percent said IT was budgeted as an investment center that creates new business capabilities. While you know that IT has strategic value, chances are your CEO doesn’t, and it’s up to you to show him. According to Jonathan Poe, senior vice president at Meta Group, CIOs typically aren’t proactive in communicating and demonstrating IT’s value to business executives. Those who are believe that solving alignment problems will put IT on the CEO’s radar.Best PracticesStrengthen and nurture the important relationships. Street-smart CIOs manage executive relationships in a high-touch manner (lots of face time) that simultaneously increases business perception and CIO credibility. “A strategic relationship with the CEO requires a lot of reinforcement,” says Meta Group’s Jonathan Poe. “Relationships taken for granted are typically short-lived.”Mediate via portfolio management. Portfolio management (the practice of administering IT projects and assets as an investment portfolio with expected payback returns) can help overcome the gulf between business and IT executives. IT portfolios have transparent and holistic views of the organization, which help businesses understand more fully the collaboration needed to balance and satisfy enterprise and line-of-business requirements. Make value an everyday execution. Most CIOs understand that they need to communicate IT value. Before communication, however, they must create and demonstrate IT value, both strategic (such as time-to-market) and tactical (system availability). Mold a staff to reflect your values and leadership style. “Too many CIOs make do with an inherited staff that was built for someone else [who has left],” says Poe. Skilled CIOs assemble staff and deputies who both enhance their strengths and overcome their shortcomings. By possessing a staff that shares a vision, mission and principles, an IT organization will more consistently reflect the thoughts, words and deeds of its leader?the CIO. “Not having nearly identical communication and action is what causes businesses to question CIO authenticity, integrity and credibility,” says Poe. Related content Saudi Vision 2030: Why the Kingdom is becoming a hub in EdTech education By Andrea Benito Jun 07, 2023 5 mins brandpost From edge to cloud: The critical role of hardware in AI applications The rise of generative artificial intelligence By Broadcom Jun 06, 2023 5 mins Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence brandpost The new value calculator: Levers for business optimization Squeezing maximum value out of your data is not only about cost-savings—it’s time to create significant potential by transforming your competitive position. By Sandrine Ghosh Jun 06, 2023 5 mins Data Management brandpost The new wave of data observability Innovative ‘applied observability’ can detect issues and diagnose their root causes swiftly and effectively. By Sandrine Ghosh Jun 06, 2023 4 mins Data Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe