CIOs and their team must have creative moments to be productive. Too often, those creative opportunities are crowded out. Three key practices will restore and increase productivity.

Every leader sells, and as the CIO portfolio broadens, selling ideas becomes an even more critical skill. Three insights will help you reduce friction and be seen as an advocate rather than an adversary.

Executive coaching is only valuable if it is not being masked as mentoring or consulting. Great coaching will always lead you through assessment, clarity, conversation and action.

People have fears, uncertainties and doubts that drive their decision making and perception. The effective CIO and IT leader knows how to uncover what is driving a person in order to help and in order to protect their career. It’s not a soft skill, it’s an essential, executive strategy.

Technology leaders and marketers are “seated next to each other” at the table. Both share mindsets, points of focus and communication needs. The effective technology leader will expand their professional skills to nail sales insights and strategies.

The best leaders know what their strategic needs are. They know specifically what the CEO can do for them. No CIO should be caught unaware. Knowing your needs in four areas will ensure that you are always prepared with a great response.