EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
JG HEITHCOCK , GM , RETROSPECT , A
STORCENTRIC COMPANY
CIOs must make sure their teams are armed with the most innovative and proven data protection and security technologies .
In fact , I would go so far as to suggest that a CIO should solicit feedback from as many members on his / her team before making any technology investment or process change .
These are the folks on the frontlines . And their feedback and invaluable experience managing the day-to-day could save you from making a costly mistake .
Remaining innovative is essential for any organization to function safely , efficiently and cost effectively .
However , the smartest CIOs know that innovation is not only found in the technology that they deploy , but it can also be found in equal if not greater measure from their team .
Of course , it is a given that CIOs must fully understand their business , customers , marketplace and competitors , while keeping up-to-date on the most innovative methodologies and technologies .
However , I do have a couple additional pieces of advice for CIOs that wish to remain innovative and , in the process , retain ( and not alienate ) their top technical talent . To start , it is critical to foster an environment that supports ( and if possible , rewards ) honest and open communication .
And , if they support the investment or change , all the better . They will be bought in from the get-go , helping to pave the way for a more seamless and successful execution .
And next , it is more important than ever given today ’ s economic and political climate where it is a given that a bad actor or ransomware attack is just around the corner , CIOs must make sure their teams are armed with the most innovative and proven data protection and security technologies .
It is no longer enough to have just ransomware protection or detection solutions . You and your team must be able to count on the ability to recover when the inevitable successful ransomware attack occurs .
As the leader of the IT organization , it is critical that your team knows that you do not only have your organization ’ s back , but theirs as well .
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