Practical guide for CIO / Head of IT

The book, titled "Practical Guide for Head of IT/CIO" provides a comprehensive roadmap for IT leaders, specifically targeting Heads of IT and Chief Information Officers (CIOs). It is structured to guide these professionals through various aspects of their roles, offering practical insights and strategies to enhance their effectiveness in managing IT functions within an organization.

Why This Book? The opening section introduces the purpose of the book, emphasizing its relevance for IT leaders looking to enhance their management skills and effectively navigate the complex landscape of IT leadership.

Who is this book for? The author identifies the target audience as Heads of IT and CIOs, underlining the book's suitability for those in leadership positions within the IT domain.

1. Manage your journey as Head of IT / CIO This section outlines key areas that IT leaders should focus on in their roles:

• 1.1 Assess Current Status: Discusses the importance of evaluating the existing IT landscape to understand strengths and weaknesses.
• 1.2 Create Your Strategy: Guides readers through the process of developing a robust IT strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• 1.3 Create and Manage Your Strategy Execution Roadmap: Emphasizes the significance of a well-structured roadmap for executing IT strategies effectively.
• 1.4 Manage Your Internal and External Processes: Highlights the need to oversee both internal and external IT processes for optimal performance.
• 1.5 Build Your Team: Addresses team building, emphasizing the importance of assembling a skilled and motivated workforce.
• 1.6 Manage Technology: Discusses the role of IT leaders in managing technological aspects within the organization.

2. Assessment of the status – AS IS This section emphasizes the importance of assessing the current state of IT operations, providing a foundation for strategic planning.

3. Building Your Strategy Guidance on developing a comprehensive IT strategy, involving collaboration with key stakeholders and aligning with business objectives.

4. Create and Manage Your Strategy Execution Roadmap Details on constructing and overseeing a roadmap to effectively execute IT strategies.

5. Management of Your Internal and External Processes Covers service level agreements (SLAs), technical SLA terminology, roadmap processes, tools for roadmap management, monitoring and support processes, and adaptation to changes in the business and market.

6. Build Your Team Addresses critical aspects of team management, including the hiring process, continuous learning, salary structures, career paths, and motivational systems.

7. Manage Technology Discusses managing the borders of IT, having key technical knowledge within the team, selecting proper architecture/technical solutions, implementing monitoring tools, managing reporting and business intelligence, and addressing information security.

List of Templates/Documents/Presentations Provides a valuable resource listing various templates, documents, and presentations that can aid IT leaders in implementing the strategies discussed in the book.

Documents/Templates included into this document:

• IT assessment template
• Example of the IT Strategy based on Business Strategy
• Example of the IT Strategy Execution Plan, Roadmap
• Template: External SLA with Supplier
• Template: Internal SLA & Incident Management
• Change Management Process TEMPLATE
• Presentation Information Security induction
• Performance Evaluation System (including Salary Grid example)
• Talent Management Matrix