Not every CIO has a seat at the executive table. Many report to the CEO which means they don’t have as much swing in executive matters. They may miss out on leadership development, networking opportunities, confidential information, and other benefits that can boost their career.

However, there are ways for CIOs to attain boardroom privileges.  The right strategies will help you achieve your goal.

Determine Your Position at the Table

There are various table positions to strive for including:

• Contributor: A contributor stays within the IT space answering requests for technology-based support.
• Consultant: A consultant weighs in with experience and insight based on their area of expertise.
• Teammate: Teammates actively participate in executive activities such as goal setting, strategy planning, and execution.
• Team Member: A team member supports all major management processes.

While all positions are beneficial, teammates and team members are the ones to aspire to. CIOs who take these positions will have more impact on the organization. If the company is a startup, or working on building their digital departments, CIOs will have an even greater influence on guiding business strategies.

Once you determine your position at the table, you can determine the skills you must develop and demonstrate to attain the position.

Demonstrate Your Assets as a Leader

A CIO must prove their potential as a strong leader in three aspects to be considered for the executive table. They must establish themselves as:

A Functional Head

Establishing yourself as a functional head goes beyond understanding the technical aspects of your job. You must demonstrate excellence in managing your team, running your business, and developing a strategy that benefits the entire organization.

In the past, CIOs could impress executives with technical jargon. Today, presenting a case for technological needs may secure funding, but it can breed resentment among executives who aren’t up on the latest developments. A comprehensible, encompassing strategy demonstrates you prioritize broader business needs.

A Transformational Leader

Next, you must show you can implement transformational changes that benefit your department and the organization. This often requires a change in thinking and processes. You may not be able to secure the budget to drive these changes, but technologies like SaaS reduce spending giving you more wiggle room to implement changes.

Don’t assume changes will just come to you. You must network with other leaders to achieve your goals. Start conversations with executives throughout your organization to determine how you can drive improvements.

In addition to proving yourself as a transformational leader, this strategy will also deepen your relationship with other executives. They may be more likely to designate your position at the table. You will also be seen as a leading contributor to your organization.

Business Strategist

Establishing a role as a business strategist is only worthwhile for some CIO positions. For example, CIOs that sell technological services or are active in manufacturing may demonstrate their ability to improve efficiency in operations. However, if these duties are outside your scope, it may be more appropriate to concentrate on developing your role as a transformational leader.

Other Ways to Build Credibility

CIOs may also build credibility to establish themselves as a ‘table-worthy contributor’ by integrating the following strategies:

Focus on the Customer

Leaders appreciate team members who focus on customers. After all, without customers, where would their organization be? Determine how technology can benefit the customer through product quality improvements, better customer service, and other strategic updates.

Contribute to Bettering the Organization

CIOs can go beyond customer satisfaction to determine how technology can simplify processes throughout the organization. For example, they may ensure proper governance is established through technological processes and devices. The right updates can improve project management, support KPI reporting, and reduce the risk of cyberattacks and outages.

Prove Your Business Acumen

The IT department plays a huge role in supporting company value. As a result, CIOs often have keen insight into business management. However, not all executives realize this.

You can expose your business acumen by taking part in business discussions that go beyond IT. Participate in programs that exceed the technological scope. Other leaders will see you as a peer, making them more likely to accept you in the boardroom.

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