| | October 20158CIOReviewOver the years, we have witnessed a massive change pertaining to the role of CIOs depending on the organization, the industry, the business strategies, the prevailing market conditions, and the financial climate in terms of business value. How would you describe your own role as CIO has changed in the past couple of years?During my half hour drive to the office during the week, I often think about what might be in store for me the day. What challenges and opportunities will be there waiting for me? What decisions will I need to make immediately and which ones should I let simmer for a while? Truth is, I can never be sure what the day will bring, but I do know -- it will always be interesting!As Divisional CIO for American Water Enterprises (AWE) I have the responsibility for providing information technology services to our market-based operations which represent about 10 percent of American Water's revenue. My job, however, is about more than just the technology. It is the near constant interaction of people, process, and technology that leads to the best innovation to benefit AWE's business objectives and the most effective and efficient operations of our information technology systems. In the end, the interactions I have with employees, end users, stakeholders, partners, and vendors represent for me a shift in responsibilities for the CIOs. That shift is less about technical competence or wizardry and much more about demonstrating business acumen, providing business solutions that leverage technology, and building strong business partnerships.Rise of the MillennialsAs always the most challenging and rewarding part of my role is attracting, maintaining, and developing skilled, enthusiastic people. That seems to have become more challenging every year, as the choices available to candidates are increasing as the economy becomes more stable and growing. In addition, the influx of millennials into the work force is continuing to have an impact on IT departments, specifically, and organizations, in general. Today's CIOs not only must be focused on salary and status, but also newer motivators like offering flexible work schedules, challenging work assignments, frequent performance feedback/encouragement, and career development opportunities (often on a quicker time schedule than previous generations are accustomed to). Millennials also want to be engaged in something bigger than them and yet they have a natural distrust of management, they expect to be trusted, and yet don't always assume positive intent. Successful CIOs will be able to develop and enrich all employee generations so as to increase employee satisfaction, drive productivity, and achieve success.Building Business RelationshipsBuilding successful relationships with "the business" or "the internal customer" is nothing new, but today CIOs are faced with a complex combination of ever changing business directives, the constant pace of technology innovation, and alignment of technology solutions with business goals. Now more than ever, the key to success for CIOs is understanding the business' imperatives The Ever-Changing Role of CIOsBy Steve Brescia, Divisional CIO, American Water EnterprisespinionIn My | | October 20158CIOReview
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