In 2017, we have seen Apple release a phone that unlocks with a mere scan of a user’s face. Robots are gaining international acclaim and continue to snag jobs once held by human beings. As the IT industry continues to produce more upgrades and revolutionary inventions, the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) will continue to evolve. Knowing this, it is vital for a CIO to gain a good grasp on the changing trends and technologies that continue to emerge. If this applies to you and you are unsure of how to make this happen, here are a few steps you’ll want to take:

1. Adopt a Sustainable Pace. 

In a podcast, thought leader John Maxwell discussed the concept of fast-forward. He argues that things are changing very quickly and if you want to remain competitive, it is important to move with speed. According to Maxwell, speed kills and it eliminates. While you will want to keep up with the trends in the IT industry, implementation in your company involves sustainability. Move at a pace that is sustainable for the work culture. Strategic implementation of sustainable change is the most beneficial. An example might involve increased security. As more security breaches occur, it is wise to upgrade the company’s cybersecurity measures. Moving at a sustainable pace might involve making sure the company is producing the revenue to afford this undertaking. If not, you need to find ways to responsibly finance the operation without breaking your company’s budget.

2. Welcome Cryptocurrencies. 

More people are gaining an understanding of cryptocurrencies. As companies realize this is a legitimate revenue stream, they are creating systems to accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment for goods and services. Some of the major companies that currently accept Bitcoin include Overstock, Expedia, and select Shopify stores.  Failure to grasp the cryptocurrency system is equivalent to throwing money in the trash.

3. Avoid Fake News. 

Whether you agree with the idea of “fake news” or not, it is important to take note of your company’s brand and the way the news outlets portray it. Look at social media sites like Facebook and you will find that a lot of people mindlessly repost articles with inflammatory and provocative headlines. These articles will receive thousands of reposts and, unless a person actually clicks through and does a little research, they will be taken as fact. While it may be common sense to some, many people don’t fact check and make sure the news they’re receiving is true. Because of this, it’s wise to put systems in place and use tools like Google Alerts to stay on top of the news that is produced about your company.

4. Embrace the Future. 

In many cases, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a brilliant invention and will actually create more job opportunities. Avoid the temptation to stick to the status quo. Embrace the abilities offered by AI and find ways to utilize it for the greatest good.  It has the power to streamline the company’s productivity and improve it. Many experts agree that AI has the potential to create 2.3 million jobs by the year 2020.

Are you looking for an expert to work with you to develop your IT strategy? Contact me today for more ideas!