Rules for Turnaround CIOs

Just reading CIO magazine again ... this time, the article entitled Rules of the Road for Turnaround CIOs. Nothing much new in the article -- of course, it's easier said than done, and the devil is always in the details (and that's three times now that I've used that phrase today). So the rules ... or, the six step program to deprogramming an ineffective IT Shop and teaching it new tricks:

Deliver quick wins: it has to be done in 6 months, because that's when the honeymoon is over. One CIO interviewed comments that every three months a project needs to have a meaningful deliverable. Without such results, the way the IT Shop is viewed by their clients won't change.

Filter the noise: there will be many things to do first, with many suggestions and priorities. A CIO needs to focus on the priorities that are important to running the business -- any other focus, and there may not be a business there when the IT Shop opens its eyes.

Align IT: the organization needs to be heading in the same direction. Quite simple. If everyone isn't on the same road, there's bound to be trouble.

Fire and hire right: firing the problem cases or just to shake things up is typical when a turnaround CIO lands -- what's equally as important is hiring the right people. As one CIO mentions, "I'm looking for a mental toughness, and like the Wild Wild West; they must like a bit of chaos and not be afraid of that."

Stand up for your staff: you won't believe the lengths your staff will go for you if you believe in them, allow them to be honest and protect them.

Get the technology right: it's simple -- you can't afford to to screw up. There are hardly second chances. It goes hand-in-hand with the first bullet.