Implications of the Lessons in "Adventures of an IT Leader" for General Managers

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Book Report: Adventures of an IT Leader

30 Second Summary

This book details the “adventures” of Jim Barton, the head of Loan Operations for IVK, Inc. Barton was the head of Loan Operations until his boss, CEO Carl Williams, asks him to become the CIO in order to help turn the IT department around. The only disadvantage is that Jim does not have any kind of background or extensive knowledge of IT.

Jim’s experiences illustrate several key takeaways and lessons for general managers. A few of the most important are a CIO must focus on developing and sustaining relationships with other business leaders. Additionally, while CIO’s are expected to be tech-savvy, they must also have a mind for the business aspect of a corporation. Finally, probably the most important takeaway from this book is that one should always “know what they don’t know,” meaning a manager must realize there are some subjects they know, and some they do not know. A successful manager will be keenly aware of the subjects they do not know.

This book is important to business students because it shows that even the most seasoned executive runs into unexpected challenges and can find themselves in uncharted territory. Jim Barton’s experiences and lessons can be lessons for anyone. Any employee, whether they are support staff or a top executive, should always maintain an open mind and be ready to learn from a situation or the people around them at any time.

Key Takeaways & Implications for General Managers

Know what you don’t know - “a manager must realize that there are some categories of things they know, and some they don’t.” pg. 25

Key factors in future CIO success (pg. 36):

o CIO must enhance and maintain relationsh...

... middle of paper ...

...mal offer to him to look over so he could compare it to Goldman’s offer.

Contents

30 Second Summary 1

Key Takeaways & Implications for General Managers 2

Part One: The Hero Called to Action 3

Chapter 1: The New CIO 3

Chapter 2: CIO Challenges 4

Chapter 3: CIO Leadership 4

Part Two: The Road of Trials 5

Chapter 4: The Cost of IT 5

Chapter 5: The Value of IT 5

Chapter 6: Project Management 6

Chapter 7: The Runway Project 6

Chapter 8: IT Priorities 6

Part Tree: The Hero’s Ordeal 7

Chapter 10: Crisis 7

Chapter 11: Damage 8

Chapter 12- Communication 9

Part Four: The Hero Breaks Through 9

Chapter 13: Emerging Technology 9

Chapter 14: Vendor Partnering 10

Chapter 15: Managing Talent 12

Chapter 16: Standardization and Innovation 12

Part Five: Master of Two Worlds 13

Chapter 17: Managing Risk 13

Chapter 18: Looking Forward 14

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