PART 2
CIOs build more than just great tech teams, their strategic leadership position extends to teams across all functions.
Everyone knows that great teams are built on great people, so having a solid recruitment strategy in place is a no-brainer. Not all talent will drive the results you need. Unlock the potential to recruit top talent and build a high-performing team with the right strategy.
This blog post shares valuable insights from three of Australia’s top CIOs, who spoke at our Tech Leaders Unplugged: The CIO Roadmap event. While their expertise comes from building tech teams, the strategies they discuss are universal and can be applied to any team. From identifying the key qualities to look for in talent to creating a culture of empowerment, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to build a thriving team, no matter the function.
What talent should you look for in a tech team?
“Successful Tech leaders should prioritise employees who showcase tenacity and bring solutions not problems”- Ben Tabell.
Look for curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset. These qualities often outweigh technical know-how in the long run, especially when tackling new challenges
Karen adds:
"Having tech skills is important, but you can teach those. A mindset? That’s much harder to change."
Additionally, hire individuals who can clearly communicate value and ideas, bridging the gap between technical complexities and business outcomes. Strong communication is key to aligning technical solutions with strategic goals.
💡 Pro Tip: Broaden your talent pool. Candidates from diverse industries, especially those with transformation experience can bring unique perspectives to spark innovation and solve complex problems creatively.
How to foster empowerment and trust in your team
If you want to deliver value consistently, empowerment is the long-term enabler.
Showcase the Big Picture
Help your team understand how their work ties into the company’s broader goals. This fosters purpose and alignment
Let Experts Be Experts
You’ve hired this person because you believe their ability can bring you value right? So trust them to do what they do best. Empower them to make decisions, and watch as they accelerate problem-solving innovation.
Lead by Example
Great leaders invest in their teams’ growth. Prioritise continuous education and adaptability to keep up with changing trends
The power of dynamic partnerships
You might have an amazing direct team, but you need allies across leadership. Take your CTO, for example. Together you can harness the power of technology to drive growth, streamline operations and stay ahead of competition.
🔗 Shared Platforms and Resources
Invest in tools that streamline collaboration. Unified systems reduce silos and foster transparency across teams.
🎯Joint Vision and Accountability
CTOs and team leaders must align their objectives with broader company goals. Everyone pulling in the same direction is critical for long-term success.
💡 Pro Tip:Schedule regular meetings with your CTO to discuss ongoing projects, challenges and opportunities to drive informed decision making, aligned with the company’s vision and strategy.
Be a lifelong learner and inspire your team to do the same
As Lee Lacocca, the American automobile executive and business leader once said. “The speed of the boss is the speed of the team.”
You are the driving force behind your team. By acting as an educator, you foster resourcefulness, empower your team to succeed, and help bring the most impactful ideas to leadership.
Stay on top of it by:
Consume Diverse Content
Expose and consume relevant educational content through engaging with a mix of professional groups, forums, and thought leadership materials. It’s so easy to get lost in consuming the wrong information.
Participate and Contribute
Join industry conversations and don’t shy away from putting your hand up for challenging projects. Active participation builds credibility and experience.
Surround Yourself with Experts
Partner with clients, technology experts, and other industry leaders to gain insights and deepen your understanding of emerging trends.
Ask Intelligent Questions
Cultivate curiosity by exploring new ideas and solutions, always questioning how things can be improved.
💡 Practical Tip: Send your team a thought leadership piece or article every month to spark conversations and inspire new ideas.
The future of tech leadership starts here
Building a high-performing team isn’t just about hiring the best talent, it’s about creating an environment where that talent can thrive.
From recruiting adaptable individuals to fostering dynamic partnerships and prioritising learning, leaders who invest in these strategies will build teams ready to tackle today’s challenges and innovate for tomorrow.
Learn more about how we can help you build a high-performing team send us an email to sirius@siriuspeople.com.au
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