Becoming an effective IT manager presents a host of challenges--from anticipating emerging technology to managing relationships with vendors, employees, and other managers. A good IT manager must also be a strong business leader. This book invites you to accompany new CIO Jim Barton to better understand the role of IT in your organization. You'll see Jim struggle through a challenging first year, handling (and fumbling) situations that, although fictional, are based on true events. You can read this book from beginning to end, or treat is as a series of cases. You can also skip around to address your most pressing needs. For example, need to learn about crisis management and security? Read chapters 10-12. You can formulate your own responses to a CIO's obstacles by reading the authors' regular "Reflection" questions. You'll turn to this book many times as you face IT-related issues in your own career.
Meet Jim Barton-new CEO of Santa Monica Aerospace. Jim's job won't be easy: the company's hemorrhaging cash, struggling to regain investors' trust after an accounting scandal, and striving to transform its military and manufacturing culture to become a global aerospace integrator. Jim isn't real; Harder Than I Thought is a novel. But his story-developed in consultation with seasoned, flesh-and-blood CEOs-contains crucial lessons for all chief executives. Walk in Jim's shoes, and engage in challenges including: Formulating and executing strategy Cultivating a management team capable of outlier performance Working with a multi-generational board Managing financial and labor crises Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous transformation Forging global partnerships Making ethical choices in an increasingly transparent environment As events in each chapter push Barton to the edge of his abilities, he seeks council from a panel of expert advisors. These collaborative reflections invite you to apply the lessons to your own situation. Experts agree that many 20th century leadership practices are inadequate to the stormy 21st century present. This engaging and provocative audio book equips you with the insights you'll need to rise with the occasion of a rapidly shifting business landscape.