Many CIOs are venturing beyond the risk averse ‘sustaining operations’ mode to progressive engagement using social media. That is a good start,but more needs to be done. When it comes to evaluating and implementing a traditional system of record tools such as ERP, CRM, HRMS etc., CIOs have a fairly good handle on what works and what does not for their LOBs. A certain level of maturity has been achieved in these traditional systems and CIO offices have learned to master the best fit implementations for LOBs. A+ for the CIOs on that count. It is the social media that will, however,redefine the next generation CIO-LOB conversations and grading of CIOs.

First and foremost, CIOs have to be socially active themselves. It is difficult to lead unless you are part of the ecosystem and understand what is going on around the world you live. If you are not ready to flex your muscles in the outside world yet, corporate social networks within your firewalls are a good start. Your employees may already be communicating on Jive, Yammer, Chatter and other social platforms today while you are busy managing the business of IT. It is important that you personally take active participation in these threads. 


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