CEO is the person who runs the organization by issuing directions and building strategies and is mainly a leadership position. However, CIO is just head of the IT department who is reporting to CEO with respect to strategy setting and is in leadership position for the IT department only.
Functionally and strategically speaking, we can always say that CIO is subordinate to the CEO, however, he has the biggest and most difficult responsibility to align his IT department in such a way that it will produce most efficient system for achievement of enterprise goals and objectives. However, IT just seems like a large system to the CEO which carries out routine things and hence, CEO is not much excited to introduce or invest more in IT systems.
From the aspect of CIO, security and innovation plays vital role than just revenue maximization. He understands that if any machine hours are minimized or labor hours used for machine operation are minimized, then resultant cost saving is much more contributing to the profits than plain revenue maximization.
This is where, priorities of CEO and CIO will be in conflict and neither one of them is wrong or out of their scope. However, it is equally important to understand that being in sync with CEO will only lead to betterment of IT department and ultimately the organization.
Lets understand how to fill the void between CEO expectations and CIO expectations..
Understand the fact that both the positions demand something different
Well, not entirely, but looking at the position, we can say that CEOs are more into external happenings, their effect on the organization, pricing, market scenario i.e. a whole big macro version of the organization.
It is hence, imperative that the CIO need to focus on adhering to certain aspects for enhancing the enterprise performance aa a whole rather than just concentrating on betterment of IT department. Integrating IT department functioning with the priorities of the organization as a whole, as seen by the CEO.
Trust CEO and then he will trust you back
As a CIO, you are responsible for enhancing the efficacy and effectiveness of IT department functioning so that it will boost up the attainment of enterprise goals and objectives. This works as a positive reinforcement in working with CEO.
Governance is not all
Yes, it is necessary but is not surely a requirement for building up a positive relationship with CEO. Reaching the target as set by CEO against governance objectives would not be imperative than delivering the output as determined by CEO.
