CIO/IT Executive Talent Management in the Government of Canada

Chief Information Officer Branch Treasury Board Secretariat

Presentation to GTEC

“The CIOs of tomorrow need to focus much more on innovation, end customers and business growth and much less on IT infrastructure”

IT World Canada

The Future Role of the GC CIO in the Government of Canada

As a key business enabler, the CIO will actively drive business success through the provision of

strategic direction, on-going innovation, and the creation of collaborative partnerships and enterprise-wide solutions in response to

service delivery objectives. The CIO will become an active member of the organization’s

executive leadership team.

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The Changing Role of the GC CIO Key Messages from Deputy Head Interviews

CIO Today Future CIO

Focus on technology – technical skills and expertise

Servant Leader

Siloed, program centric approach

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Provides challenge function

Transformational leader

Active participant at the DH executive table

Innovator and strategic thinker

Business partner and enabler

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CIO of the Future Defined

Learning

New Career Paths

• Demographic analysis at the GC level: e.g., turn-over, employment equity. • Succession planning: Identification of critical vacancies and employees with

the potential to fill those vacancies. • Identify assignment opportunities both into and from policy/business lines.

• Learning opportunities that reflect new career paths. • Partnerships with both private and public sector learning providers. • Critical skills - two minute briefings, business acumen, strategic leadership.

Talent Management Approach

Workplace Planning

• CIO Study: Snapshot of CIO Community (one page summary on tables). • Interviews with Deputy Heads. • Leading industry practices and trends reviewed.

• Learning roadmap with the assistance of the Canada School of Public Service. • Gaining experience both inside and outside of the IT organization to assist with

becoming a CIO, and for your post CIO career. • Selection strategies and tools that reflect and support the new role of the CIO.

What can you do to prepare?

Enhance your Leadership and Business Skills • Think strategically: Understand how your current role supports your

organizations business objectives. • Practice your pitch: Speak in the language of the executive leadership team. • Assess your leadership competencies.

Diversify your experience • Seek out opportunities to broaden your skill set. Try working in a business line

or, if you’re in a business line, why not try IT? • Fill out the CIO Sub-Questionnaire of the OCHRO Talent Management form.

Build solid professional networks • Establish and maintain networks and nurture professional relationships. • Find a mentor with knowledge/experience outside of your domain.

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