In this week's news roundup for IT pros, we bring you articles from around the web that provide tips, reminders, and advice that CIOs and business leaders should keep in mind during transformational times.
Don't take the easy route
The One Bias Every Technology Leader Should Fear [Huffington Post]: In this article, Brian de Haaff writes about the power of pushing past the status quo in business decisions, and encouraging teams to look beyond the easiest or safest choice. He says, “Leaders must be vigilant in identifying obstacles to success. And it is your job to spot those who are operating within a status quo bias — and to help them overcome this tendency to favor the same old, same old. And that often means getting involved.” He goes on to share four practical tips to help leaders remove safety nets and embrace the unknown.
Apple has a one-word explanation for why it killed the headphone jack: 'Courage' [Business Insider]: The new iPhone launch this week provides a perfect example of leaving behind the comfort of the familiar in the name of innovation. Apple executive Phil Schiller described the company's choice to remove the ubiquitous 3.5 mm headphone jack in its latest iPhone as one of courage. "It makes no sense to tether ourselves with cables to our mobile devices," he explained. "But until someone takes on these challenges, that's what we do." Without the headphone jack, Apple's AirPod wireless earbuds become the innovative new choice for iPhone users.
Balance the transactional and the transformational
What Does It Take To Be A Real IT Leader? [InformationWeek]: Elliot Luber, visiting assistant professor of Business, Management and Leadership at SUNY Empire State College's School for Graduate Studies, writes about the difficult challenge facing IT leaders today. That is having an ambitious vision of the future, and the ability to chart a real plan to make it happen. He says, “The person who can span both disciplines is rare. These are competing values, and you can't be everything to everyone without burning out. It's not a sustainable model.” Luber shares examples of IT leaders who manage to do both well and shares some of their tricks, such as asking tougher questions, and following through on the details that really matter.
Think differently
10 Ways Ridiculously Successful People Think Differently [Huffington Post]: Dr. Travis Bradberry writes, “Too often we attribute creative and 'different' thinking to natural, innate characteristics that belong only to the lucky. The truth is that you can study how ridiculously successful people think and incorporate their approach into your repertoire.” He provides 10 habits of ultra-successful people to help business leaders break out of their comfort zones once and for all.
More news for CIOs
Top 10 Trends For Digital Transformation In 2017 [Forbes]
