The Big Shift in IT Leadership: How Great CIOs Leverage the Power of Technology for Strategic Business Growth in the Customer-Centric Economy

Chapter 2The CIO and the C-Suite

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

For CIOs, relationships with senior executives across the enterprise, in the C-suite, and on the board of directors are essential. Great CIOs are constantly building social bridges across the enterprise and seeking opportunities to deepen trust with members of the corporate leadership team.

My friend Bruce Leidal is the chief information officer (CIO) at Carestream Health, Inc., a worldwide provider of dental and medical imaging systems and IT solutions; X-ray imaging systems for nondestructive testing; and advanced materials for the precision films and electronics markets.

Bruce leads Carestream Health's global information technology (IT) organization. Like many CIOs, his primary mission includes building a more efficient and effective IT organization, streamlining processes, reducing costs, and, ultimately, providing information that enables Carestream Health to optimize its business while continually improving its customers' experience.

From my perspective, Bruce is a role model for modern CIOs who successfully blend technical expertise with truly excellent corporate executive leadership skills. Bruce's ability to serve as both a technology leader and a corporate leader is exemplary.

I asked Bruce recently about the importance of building trust and establishing great working relationships across the C-suite. Specifically, I asked him about gathering input from the C-suite on a regular basis. His reply was incredibly ...