While the news seems enamored with polls about the upcoming Presidential election, I’ve been musing a different poll.
At first, I stated “The CIO role is as important as the CFO role.”
92% of respondents agreed.
Then, “The C-Suite and the CEO see the CIO role as just as important as the CFO role.”
23% of respondents agreed.
Context Matters
We understand that In fast-growing, tech-driven companies, a CIO might be seen as more valuable due to their responsibility for digital innovation and ensuring the company remains competitive through technology.
We also understand that In traditional industries or during economic downturns, a CFO might be perceived as more valuable for managing risks, optimizing costs, and guiding financial strategy.
As I thought this through, I considered taking this article a few different directions:
- We are a team and bring shared responsibilities and unique strengths to the table. No one is more important than the other.
- CFOs can walk the plank, Long Live The CIO!
- Whatever your answer, “How do you know?”
- How to change perceptions
I abandoned all of them, though each merit an article (maybe not the plank walkers).
Then I thought about Rock-Em Sock-Em Robots and how the Red CFO would throw a punch and yell, “From the beginning of business, we’ve been around taking care of money and we didn’t need all that dang technology to do it. Bah Humbug!”
And the Blue CIO would throw a punch and scream “Our technology is going to make you obsolete you old Scrooge!”
I thought about that because my mind wanders. And because Christmas is only 106 days away. And because we throw unnecessary punches.
The Matter of Importance
You recognize your value. 92% of you are on record as believing it.
You also believe that others value you differently.
I have a confession to make. When I consult with companies, companies who chose me over others and agreed to invest in my fees, I still feel the need to prove myself. I am still offended when my ideas are met with resistance. I still want to be a first choice, even though they’ve already made me a first choice.
I don’t deal with that stuff all the time. But some of the time, I sure do.
The truth is, I was already chosen, already invested in, already believed, and already a first choice. Like you are.
The word importance dates back centuries to the meaning of “being of consequence.” To matter, because without you, there would be consequences.
To say of a person or thing - they are not important to me - means that their absence has no real consequence on your life.
Your absence would have great consequences in life and business. People know this about you.
Don’t confuse that with being irreplaceable. You are important. You can be replaced. We do it every four or eight years with our President.
What are we to do in this tug of war of CIO importance?
There is only one answer: To be rather than to seem.
How do you know that you are important? What would be the consequences of your absence?
By the way, those are great questions to help you filter your priorities.
I’ve been on an OKR rant lately. What are the Objectives that are important? What are the Key Results that are important?
If they are important, and you do them, does that not reinforce how important you are?
“Wait a minute,” my imaginary critic says, “You asked about roles, not individuals.”
That’s because roles don’t exist. People do. Roles are figments of the imagination, just like titles. Needs are real. People who meet those needs are real. Whatever you call those people doesn’t affect the fact the person was important, not necessarily the role.
Practically speaking, an ancient verse says to let another praise you and not your own mouth. I can argue for my importance all I want, or I can be important.
- What are the most important things you can do as a CIO in 2025 to benefit your company?
- Who are the people you need to engage and influence because your contributions will be important to them?
You are important. And you have important work to do.
Go rock-em and sock-em. Not the CFO. The stuff you get to do.
