CIOs and IT executives share the best career advice they've ever received

Whether we are just starting out in our professions or are considering our final move, we all benefit from good career advice. CIOs, particularly those who have been at it for a while, tend to have great career advice to share. For this reason, I recently asked readers of our weekly e-newsletter, The Heller Report, for the best career advice they've ever received. You were not shy with your responses! As promised, here is the first installment of the pearls of wisdom that you sent our way, compiled for your reading pleasure.  This installment is on the subject of “team leadership.”

Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below, or 'Sound Off' with  the best career advice you've ever received by clicking here. Enjoy!

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Sound Off: CIO Career AdviceOne of my first bosses who later became a mentor and then long time friend took me aside one day and said, "You have a lot of very good ideas...but you are going to have to decide if you want to get credit for everything you do or share your ideas with others and implement through teams. Your ideas will have a better chance of success with team participation. You will have to accept, however, that in the short term you may not get acknowledged for the idea. However, over time, you will be seen as a person management wants on their team, and team members will want to work for you if you have a high success rate and they get to share in that success." At first it was difficult to do, but over time it became my preferred method of operating. I have enjoyed success and have been a successful CIO for companies ranging from $110 million to $4 Billion in annual revenue.

- Ronald Maillette, Education Corporation of America

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Pick up the phone. Today it might not be the actual phone, but early in my career I noticed that when we shut ourselves in to focus on the task at hand, we don't ask for the help that is all around us if we would only reach out. I can't solve very many things without any help from others, and what I attempt to do alone only guarantees I will consume all of my energy and wind up tired and unproductive at the end of the day.

- Ken Faw, American Laser Skincare

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Many years ago, when I was first promoted into a leadershp role, I worked for a very wise man. He had several pieces of advice: 1. "Jack, I know you can do the work of your people. What I need you to do is to let them do the work and support/encourage them to be successful." 2. "Have your people's back. They will never take risks and grow if they are constantly looking over their sholder." 3. "In this world, as much as you would like, you will never have all A players. You will always have A's, B's and C's. Get the most out of each of them using each of their unique skills and capabilities. It is amazing what people are capable of doing given the chance."

- Jack Bergen, Dunkin Brands

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Many years ago a mentor coached me on the value of what he called mbwa, management by walking around. He taught me that the best way to stay connected with my customers and end users was to be there with them face-to-face. So throughout my career I've made a conscious effort to include time in my daily schedule to practice mbwa. It's difficult but if you make a sincere effort, it works. It's sometimes amazing what I discover when doing the rounds. I coach all of my direct reports on the value of mbwa as well, with great results. It has helped me stay connected with my customers, and with key stakeholders in the business. And I consistently receive positive feedback on my customer focused approach.

- Sam Lamonica, Rosendin Electric

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At the time I was promoted into my first management role a wise mentor told me, "Always take care of your team and they will take care of you." I've lived that advice my entire career and it has served me well.

- Mary Leonardo Patry, MedImmune

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From my days at GE with Jack Welsh.... "Hire the brightest and the best folks you can find (the A players). Set agressive targets and give them the resources they need to reach the goal. Then, step aside and get out of their way.’”

- James Gaulke, PDC Energy

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Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below, or 'Sound Off' with  the best career advice you've ever received by clicking here.


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