Are you ready to make the leap into executive leadership? What qualities does one have to possess to be not just a CIO, but a great CIO?

I reviewed several job postings on HIMSS JobMIne for senior level IT positions (CIO, CTO, Vice President of Information Systems) to determine if there are similar requirements listed. All require a MS in Management Information Systems, Computer Science or related program. Another similar requirement calls for a minimum of 15 years experience with information technology (voice and data communications, networks, programming, media, hardware platforms, desktop and server operating systems, enterprise software applications and utilities including email, clinical/EMR, financial and human resources applications). At least five years of experience are required in development, design and implementation as well as at least five years project management experience. Plus, knowledge of business and management principles, processes, budgeting and operations as well as an in-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations, as they relate to technology, is beneficial.

The obvious requirement is leadership experience and demonstrated leadership skills/abilities. This in itself is vague. What exactly does this mean? Here are some key phrases pulled from various job descriptions:
•    “Think strategically;"
•    “design and facilitate;"
•    “network, recruit, manage teams;"
•    “assess, prioritize and implement solutions;"
•    maintain a “solid understanding of emerging technologies;"
•    “effectively supervise and manage staff”

We all know it takes one bad apple to spoil the crop so it should go without saying that part of managing a staff means staying abreast of morale issues. In an article written for Healthcare IT News “Where to Work: Best Hospital IT Departments” supplement, Judy Kirby, president and CEO of Kirby Partners, cited that: “Managers and directors, however, do feel morale within their departments is higher than do staff members: 46 percent of staff members felt morale was "fair" or "poor" compared to 29 percent of managers and directors.”

A good leader will assess, identify and resolve any issues within their department effectively. This will prevent turnover, avoid a decrease in productivity, establish open lines of communication and ultimately, form a solid team. Creating a culture within their department which recognizes employees for doing a good job and supports a work/life balance is another attribute of great leadership. Being able to manage expectations, be forward thinking and be business savvy in addition to tech savvy are other leadership traits.

The ability to be self-critical, to strive to be better and have the confidence to improve oneself is a skill that separates the best from the average. Whether you are already a CIO or aspiring to attain a senior manager level position, what quality do you think is the most important?

E.J. Fechenda is the Audience Data Manager for MedTech Media. Since 2008 she has helped manage Healthcare Finance JobSpot and Healthcare IT JobSpot - now merged with HIMSS JobMine. She is not a Human Resources professional, nor a healthcare expert, but over the years she's accumulated a lot of feedback and insight from both job seekers and employers alike. Each week E.J. will deliver a blog based on this information. One week will be employer focused and the next week, job seeker focused.