There are as many different types of leadership styles as there are leaders, but certain characteristics can be loosely grouped into broader categories. Executive recruiting and consulting firm Korn/Ferry International did just this with CIO leaders, distinguishing four types of CIOs, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The four types of CIOs identified by Korn/Ferry, along with the percentage of CIOs that fall into that group, are commercial (44 percent), transformational (24 percent), innovative (21 percent) and tech (11 percent).
Traits associated with commercially minded leaders are
- being business first
- possibly a non-IT background
- balances stakeholders
- ensures accountability
- inspires
- driven by collaboration
- social leader
Traits associated with transformational leaders are
- detail-oriented
- curious
- driven by challenge
- global/broad perspective
- navigates professional networks
- strategic
- likely to possess post-graduate degrees
Traits associated innovative leaders are
- visionary
- pushes boundaries
- sees technology as an enabler
- sets high expectations
- adaptable
- risk taker
- influential
Traits associated with tech leaders are
- technically minded
- detail oriented
- thrives in complex IT environments
- dedicated
- achievement oriented
- persistent
- ensures accountability
- drives results
- aligns execution
More articles on IT leaders:
The growth of the CNIO role: 6 key findings
3 CIOs elected to CHIME's board of trustees
The role all executives play in cybersecurity