When CIOs start at a new company, they want to make an impact immediately. They should hit the ground running to establish credibility in their roles. New executives should understand the company’s culture, evaluate the existing infrastructure, build relationships, and develop a strategic plan.

Understand Company Goals

CIOs should understand company goals before day 1. They should have this knowledge under their belt during the application process. However, as they become integrated into the organization, their oversight should become more apparent, and they should better comprehend how goals specifically relate to their role in the company.

Once goals are understood, they can determine how to drive change, ensuring that new processes align with company goals.

Assess the IT Infrastructure

New CIOs should start by evaluating the company’s current infrastructure. They should look beyond basic processes to determine strengths and weaknesses and the system’s usefulness in reaching company goals. Specifically, they should improve security, reduce risks, increase efficiency, and eliminate redundancies and outdated technology.

Once they familiarize themselves with possible gaps, they should communicate with other executives and managers to develop a strategic plan. Determine your parameters, ensuring your strategy aligns with goals and budgets.

Become Acquainted with the Company Culture

Company culture is another thing CIOs should understand before they start working in their new position. However, they will need to adjust in the early days of employment.

Some may not think IT and company culture intertwine much- but they do. For example, IT is not simply another company department- it’s a service to the organization. Therefore, CIOs must understand how to communicate with other departments and their values and behaviors.

Furthermore, CIOs must understand which values the company prioritizes in IT. Is the company innovative and focused on keeping up with the latest tech? If sustainability is a priority, they may prefer energy-efficient IT systems.

Check Cybersecurity and Compliance

Cybersecurity and compliance are among the most critical aspects of a CIO’s responsibilities. As such, tech executives should conduct a compliance and security audit during their first days at the company. They should check for security vulnerabilities, data privacy, access controls, and incident response.

The audit should guide the CIO so they can develop a framework for their company. They can use it to reduce vulnerabilities and implement an incident response plan. The plan will prevent disruptions and downtime while protecting the organization’s reputation.

Developing an IT Strategy

The ultimate 90-day goal should be to develop a comprehensive IT strategy. However, CIOs should not rush into sudden changes. They must carefully cultivate a plan, ensuring it provides results once implemented.

Here’s a timeline new CIOs should follow:

• Days 1-30: Assess systems carefully, identifying strengths and pain points and understanding how compliance regulations impact your industry and organization.
• Days 30-60: Begin developing your strategy. Determine which systems can stay and which can go. Identify new technology that can boost your company’s efficiency. Ensure you are meeting compliance and budgetary requirements.
• Days 60-90: Communicate your strategy to stakeholders. Meet with various departments to ensure your plan meets their needs. Determine what it will take to successfully integrate strategies considering training, adaption, and financial planning. Use clear, concise language to ensure comprehension and promote transparency with new colleagues.

Beyond Day 90

The first 90 days as a CIO are crucial, but leaders must look beyond the initial integration to ensure a successful ongoing relationship in their business community. Here are some things to consider:

• Focus on Continuous Improvement: Leaders should continuously revisit systems to ensure they reach their organizational goals. Use KPIs to ensure goals are achieved. Solicit feedback to ensure successful adoption.
• Develop Successful Vendor Relationships: New strategies will likely require developing new vendor relationships—partner with vendors you trust to provide excellent service and put your company first. Promote communication and transparency on your end and expect it in return.
• Stay Updated on the Latest Trends: CIOs must stay updated on the latest technology, security, and compliance trends to keep their company competitive. Sign up for newsletters and publications with their fingers on the pulse of updated business processes. Consider how they can benefit your organization.

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