The First 90 Days
The first 90 days for new CIOs and CTOs are crucial for building relationships, assessing the organization's current technology landscape, achieving visible quick wins, and setting a clear strategic direction. By understanding stakeholder needs, aligning IT with business goals, and fostering collaboration, leaders can establish credibility and pave the way for ongoing success and innovation.
What should a new CIO or CTO prioritize in the first 30 days?
Focus on meeting key stakeholders, assessing the current IT infrastructure, observing departmental workflows, and establishing baseline performance metrics.
How can a new technology leader build credibility quickly?
Identify and deliver quick wins, such as eliminating underutilized software licenses or streamlining inefficient processes, to demonstrate early value.
When should a new CIO or CTO start developing a strategic IT roadmap?
Begin drafting the roadmap between days 31 and 60, aligning it with the organization's broader business goals and outlining key initiatives and timelines.
What metrics should be tracked during the first 90 days?
Establish KPIs tied to the initiatives you launch, then review them regularly with stakeholders to measure impact and adjust plans as needed.
How important is communication during the first 90 days?
Transparent communication of observations, plans, and progress builds trust with both leadership and team members, supporting collaboration and smoother execution.
New Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) face a critical challenge in their first 90 days, as this period sets the tone for their leadership and can significantly influence their long-term success. Here's a structured approach for new CIOs and CTOs to maximize their impact during this initial phase.
First 30 Days: Understanding and Assessment
- Engage with Stakeholders: Build relationships with key stakeholders, including the CEO, CFO, and department heads. Understand their perspectives on technology's role within the organization and gather insights on existing challenges and opportunities
- Assess the Current State: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the existing IT infrastructure, team capabilities, and technology landscape. This includes understanding how IT is perceived within the organization—whether as a cost center or a strategic partner
- Observe Operations: Spend time with different departments to observe workflows and identify pain points. This hands-on approach will help uncover issues that reports may not reveal
- Set Baselines: Establish benchmarks for current performance metrics, staffing capabilities, and technology usage. This will serve as a foundation for measuring progress later on
Days 31–60: Quick Wins and Strategic Planning
- Identify Quick Wins: Look for immediate opportunities to improve efficiency, such as addressing underutilized software licenses or streamlining processes. These quick wins can help build credibility and demonstrate value to the organization
- Develop an IT Roadmap: Begin drafting a strategic IT plan that aligns with the organization's overall business goals. This roadmap should outline key initiatives, timelines, and expected outcomes
- Communicate Your Vision: Share your observations and initial plans with the organization to set clear expectations. Transparency will increase trust and engagement among team members and stakeholders
- Promote Team Collaboration: Encourage open communication within your team and across departments. Establish regular check-ins to discuss progress on initiatives and gather feedback
Days 61–90: Implementation and Long-Term Strategy
- Execute Key Initiatives: Start implementing the most impactful projects identified during the first two months. Focus on initiatives that align closely with business priorities to ensure support from leadership
- Measure Success: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress on your initiatives. Regularly review these metrics with stakeholders to demonstrate impact and adjust strategies as needed
- Build a Culture of Innovation: Promote an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and take ownership of projects. This cultural shift can lead to more significant innovations in technology use across the organization
- Prepare for Future Challenges: As you settle into your role, start thinking about long-term technology trends and how they might impact your organization. Consider how emerging technologies can be leveraged for competitive advantage
By following this structured approach during their first 90 days, new CIOs and CTOs can effectively position themselves as strategic leaders who not only understand the technology landscape but also align IT initiatives with broader business objectives. This proactive engagement will help establish trust, promote collaboration and set the stage for ongoing success in their roles.
New CIOs and CTOs should dedicate their first 90 days to stakeholder engagement, deep organizational assessment, identifying early wins, and strategic planning. Executing key projects, measuring progress, and cultivating a culture of innovation and open communication sets the foundation for aligning technology with business objectives and ensuring long-term impact.
Test Your Knowledge
The First 90 Days
Challenge yourself on the concepts from this article and see how well you understood them.
Subscribers get weekly quizzes and insights — subscribe free
Partner with Think Insights
Reach 50,000+ business leaders, consultants, and strategists. Feature your brand alongside expert articles on strategy, leadership, and digital transformation.
