I am coming to realize that The Adventures of an IT Leader is best enjoyed in parts to get the most out of it. Here are some notes, takeaways and questions from the first 5 chapters of the book:
I like the style of learning more about IT within the story framework of following newly appointed and non-technical Jim Barton as IVK's new CIO. I like that they've sprinkled in mundane details to move the timeline forward as well as key conversations in which IT nuggets are sprinkled.
One challenge the previous CIO struggled with was communication and relationship management with his peers and leaders. What does your relationship-building look like with your non-technical peers? Is relationship building important even as a CIO?
An interesting challenge is given to Jim and others on the executive team of a cost analysis question to get the company back on track. While analyzing this for his new IT department, Jim learns about the way IT services are charged from the business units and struggles to clearly quantify the value of IT. How do you calculate the value of your IT management?
When it comes to the technical expertise, one of Jim's direct reports explains why they wanted so many of their own reports to join in on the introductory call reviewing the state of IT. What has the balance of technical expertise to leadership management been like for you?
Know what you don't know. How do you apply this concept to be an effective leader or professional in your own realm of work?
I am looking forward to the next few chapters. Let us know what you think if you're reading along or decide to pick up a copy and join along. Also, feel free to share your thoughts if you haven't read the book too!
(Don't want to buy a copy? Tap into your Library services or subscriptions you may already have. This read was free with my Spotify Premium account! https://open.spotify.com/show/05dKATGWb1EL5UqBa10cT4?si=017a2ec5f0ee4375)