How We Chose Our 2011 Ones to Watch Honorees

Each applicant for a 2011 Ones to Watch award was nominated by a CIO, who filled out an online form detailing the nominee’s career experience and accomplishments. The applications were reviewed by a panel of veteran CIOs who are experienced in leadership development and know what it takes to prepare today’s IT managers to be tomorrow’s successful CIOs. (See “2011 Ones to Watch Judges.”)

The judges, who are all Council members, examined each nominee’s job history and current job scope, and looked for critical traits. These traits include strategic planning ability, successful team leadership, expertise in developing the people below them, skill at leading change, and the ability to collaborate with and influence business leaders outside IT.

Because these essential leadership traits are typically developed on the job, the judges pay special attention to a nominee’s achievements. Future CIOs learn how to assess needs, negotiate and make tough decisions when they’re turning around a troubled project or organization. Change management and communication skills come to the fore when they lead an enterprise-level change initiative. Having insight into the business and its goals—and how IT relates to both—is essential for conceiving and executing a new corporate product or service. This year, 25 men and women are honored for their accomplishments and for their potential as future CIOs.

Contact CIO Executive Council Editorial Manager Diane Frank at dfrank@cio.com. Follow her on Twitter: @dtwfrank.