Why Technically Strong Leaders Still Aren't CIO-Ready
CIO, Friday, September 4th, 2026
Self-assessment data shows rising IT leaders are strong technically but weak on influence and relationships.
Chris Boyd reports on rising technology leaders at a CIO100 event who self-assessed across five dimensions: enterprise leadership, business acumen, influence, relationships and technology stewardship.
The group averaged 3.4 out of 5 overall, and 64% rated themselves advanced or proficient on technical judgement. But roughly 65% scored below proficient on influence and relationship-building, the very capabilities that separate a strong technologist from a credible CIO.
Boyd recommends closing those gaps deliberately, pairing structured goals with specific measurable tactics on six-month horizons rather than waiting for exposure to happen.