CIOs: Don't fall prey to these 10 common mistakes

Today's CIO faces a broad spectrum of challenges that require business acumen, tech savvy, and strong leadership skills. It's a tricky balancing act, but knowing about the pitfalls can help.

CIOs run highly technical disciplines and usually come from technical backgrounds. Their strength is in knowing the details of IT work. This gains them respect in the eyes of their staff and enables them to discuss the details of projects. Nevertheless, IT management responsibilities have changed substantially over the past few years. As more IT processes become automated, CIOs must become more business-savvy. CIOs also need strong people, as well as good communication and other soft skills. In this new world, CIOs must embrace new roles. Here are 10 mistakes that can trip up the CIO.


Source:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/cios-dont-fall-prey-to-these-10-common-mistakes/

10 Things roundup: Top lists of 2014

This has been a dynamic year for IT pros and tech leaders -- and the scope of the most popular 10 Things topics reflects it. Check out our annual list o' lists.

Along with the major trends and disruptors -- Internet of Things, big data, 3D printing, bring-your-own...whatever, and significant advancements in mobile and cloud technologies -- this year has seen a continued focus on IT career development, resource planning, strategies and solutions, and simple tips for working more efficiently and avoiding vexing tech issues. 


Source:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-things-roundup-top-lists-of-2014/

2014: The tech year in cartoons

From Satya Nadella’s rise to the top spot at Microsoft to the emergence of 3D printing and the Internet of Things, here’s a look at some of the year’s biggest IT stories from the pen of Computerworld’s editorial cartoonist, John Klossner.

January: Full-time work is so last year

The year opened with a series of developments on the IT careers front.
First, we reported that the percentage of independent contractors in the IT labor market was on the rise. One estimate held that about 18% of all IT workers were self-employed, and another put the median percentage of contract workers at large organizations at 15%, up from 6% in 2011.
Consultants who offer services to freelancers tried to spin the shift as good news because there were plenty of opportunities for people who value autonomy and flexibility. But as the cartoon in our Jan. 13 print issue pointed out, not everyone -- not even young people regarded by their elders as carefree, footloose job-hoppers -- sees being "tied down" by the structure and stability of full-time work as a bad thing.
The good news? There should be more full-time opportunities for younger IT professionals as baby boomers retire and take skills such as Cobol expertise with them.


Source:
http://www.computerworld.com/article/2858429/2014-the-tech-year-in-cartoons.html