In today’s world, technology is at the heart of nearly every organization—nonprofits, government agencies, schools, churches, agricultural businesses, and construction companies alike. Many people may not fully realize just how much technology drives the world. From my position as a Chief Information Officer (CIO), I can tell you that this role sits at the center of it all. While every role in an organization is essential, technology is what connects, enables, and empowers each one, helping us work smarter, reach people more effectively, and fulfill our mission. The CIO ensures this technology backbone is strong, innovative, and secure, giving teams what they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced, digital world. And fulfilling this role requires courage.
Courage in Leadership: How a CIO Guides the Organization
Leadership always demands courage, but especially so for a CIO who must steer their organization through complex technological changes. A CIO faces difficult decisions, must inspire teams, and has to guide their organization toward new ways of doing things. Courage for a CIO means facing risks, remaining strong through challenges, and making decisions that may not always be popular but are critical to the organization’s success. Here’s how courage shows up in the role of a CIO—and why it matters.
Embracing Change, Even When It’s Difficult
Technology has changed drastically in recent years: phones are like mini-computers, data lives in “the cloud,” and cyber threats are everywhere. A CIO must be brave enough to implement new tools, even if people prefer sticking with what they know. Change is tough, and a CIO’s courage lies in leading people through the discomfort of new systems, explaining the benefits, and helping them adapt.
For example, imagine a company using the same software for years. It’s outdated and slow, but it’s familiar. A CIO might push for a faster, safer system, knowing there will be complaints and resistance. It takes courage to make this change, recognizing that it will make work easier and more secure in the long run.
Making Tough Calls That May Be Unpopular
Sometimes, courage in leadership means making decisions people don’t initially like. For a CIO, this could mean strengthening security even if it slows processes down a bit, or reallocating resources toward critical projects rather than everyday tasks.
Consider a situation where a CIO decides to phase out an old system because it’s no longer secure. Some team members may find this inconvenient and complain about the change. But a courageous CIO will stand firm, understanding that this decision protects the company’s safety and its future.
Remaining Calm During a Crisis
When things go wrong, people look to their leader for guidance. A CIO needs the courage to stay calm and focused during crises like data breaches or system failures. Courage here means making quick, effective decisions under pressure, solving problems, and reassuring everyone that the issue is under control.
If there’s a data breach, for instance, the CIO must act immediately to protect the organization’s information, communicate clearly with the team, and outline steps to prevent future incidents. This kind of courage strengthens trust and stability within the organization.
Balancing Innovation and Risk
Innovation is key to staying competitive, but it involves risk. A CIO must be bold enough to introduce new technologies, even without a guarantee of success, while managing risks to keep the organization safe.
For example, a CIO might want to bring in artificial intelligence to streamline processes. However, they need to consider potential impacts on jobs or how it might change workflows. It takes courage to pursue this path, knowing that they’ll need to adapt and respond to challenges as they arise.
Inspiring a Vision for the Future
A courageous CIO doesn’t only focus on the present but looks toward the future, planning for what the organization will need years down the line. This might mean investing in training or technology that won’t pay off immediately but will prepare the team for what’s coming.
For instance, a CIO might start training employees on cloud computing now, even if the company doesn’t fully rely on it yet. When the organization does switch to the cloud, the team will already be prepared. This forward-thinking approach requires courage because it asks people to step out of their comfort zones and invest in long-term success.
How Courage Shapes the Organization
A CIO’s courage doesn’t just help them perform their job—it sets an example for everyone. When employees see their leader making difficult decisions, staying calm in crises, and planning for the future, they’re more likely to embrace those qualities themselves. They become more open to change, willing to try new things, and confident in taking on challenges.
Conclusion
As a CIO, courage is essential. It means embracing challenges, standing by tough decisions, and leading the team through unknown territory. When a CIO leads with courage, they don’t just make smarter technology choices—they build a more resilient, adaptable organization for the future.
