As compared with other functional CXOs, the CIO is in a unique position of having a broad vantage point on the entire enterprise and understanding how the different value-creating activities fit with each other. In short, the CIO must understand the business in the same manner as the CEO, and able to assume profit and loss responsibility. In particular, CIOs are in a position to understand the drivers of operational excellence in their firms. Our research suggests there is growing potential for the CIO to emerge as the Chief Operating Officer in the future and on the boards of corporations, particularly IT companies or companies in the information-intense business such as financial services, publishing, or hospitality. A good example of the future leadership paths opening up to some CIOs is Schneider National: the CEO of this largest trucking company in the United States, Christopher Lofgren previously served as the CIO and the Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing is also a former CIO.
Future CIOs should also be skilled in selling, negotiating, and driving business change.

This involves visioning new opportunities, convincing and energizing executive peers about their perspective, and negotiating resources to implement the vision. They must be capable of engaging in and contributing to conversations with the top management team that may have nothing to do with technology. In other words, the future CIO must possess the personal charisma, the confidence, and the presence to be an integral part of the leadership team of the company. Barbara Carlini, CIO of Diageo North America, the world’s leading premium beverages company, believes that, “Communication is huge.” Communication includes straightforward discussions with her fellow CXOs on business technology priorities. In addition, she focuses on communication from the executive suite to employees on the company’s strategies. Finally, it is about communication between her technology troops and their business colleagues.
Finally, effective CIO’s of the future must continually harness the power of relationships and networks.