TechSoup just published an article called Tips for Hiring IT Staff: Balancing Skills and Communication.  It discusses critical issues like finding someone who will spend your money wisely, have a practical understanding of your needs, be able to communicate with your staff, and have the right mix of technical skills.

The article reminded me of a piece that ran in University Business magazine in 2003, called Transforming Your CIO.  It described the ideal technology leader as having the following qualities:

Functional business orientation and communication skills.

Political savvy.

Ability to achieve balance.

Good project planning and control, and ability to influence.

Ability to identify, motivate, and develop talent.

A commitment to continuing education.

Vision.

Although the article was describing the needs of a university campus, all organizations need technology leaders with these qualities.

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