With great power comes great responsibility. This oft-quoted line might instantly remind us about the blockbuster Hollywood film Spider-Man, but this message holds true in the life of a CIO.
A CIO needs to keep a hawk’s eye on the day-to-day IT operations, develop strategies to maintain an integrated IT architecture, balance IT budget and also motivate staff members. The role and responsibilities of a CIO are continuously evolving especially due to the rapid advancement in technology. With such workload, the CIO might not always have enough time to leaf through a book on a regular basis. But then, we all know that books are our best friends and books are a great tool to motivate, educated, entertain and build confidence. So, it’s important to take time out for yourself and read. At times, there’s no harm taking a quick reading break in the middle of a workday.
At Indus Net Technologies, we have a culture of reading books and we inculcate the habit of reading among our employees too. On World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, Indus Net Technologies has compiled a list of books CIOs can read, get inspired from or add to their already existing collection.
1. Be the Business: CIOs in the New Era of IT
Author: Martha Heller
The book, by Martha Heller, the founder and President of Heller Search Associates, a recruiting firm specializing in CIO, comprises profiles of CIOs, quotes and their interviews. It is exciting and appealing to read how CIOs are leading the way in creating an IT climate where technology belongs to everyone.
goo.gl/drAX49
2. Digital Vortex: How Today’s Market Leaders Can Beat Disruptive Competitors at Their Own Game
Authors: Jeff Loucks, Andy Norohna, Dr James Macaulay and Michael Wade
This 266-pages hardcover on digital disruption gives a detailed overview of the business best practices. The book gives a thorough understanding of how to identify a company’s disruptive competitors.
goo.gl/GFvg5t
3. Wolf in CIO’s Clothing
Author: Tina Nunno
Running a business is not an easy task and at times, a CIO needs to take on difficult business decisions. Gartner analyst Tina Nunno makes an interesting and analytical observation in this book, where she explains how at times people at the helm of power turn grey depending on situations to make their businesses profitable. She draws metaphorical comparisons between Machiavellians and wolves. It’s an interesting read.
goo.gl/1uKdkn
4. Meatball Sundae: Is Your Marketing out of Sync?
Author: Seth Godin
Just like his blogs, this book chronicles important topics in lucid language but in entertaining and captivating ways. Meatball Sundae is a must-read, which comprises 14 trends that no marketer can overlook. You are bound to go with the flow of this language.
goo.gl/6Wgyl3
5. Information Architecture: For the Web and Beyond
Authors: Jorge Arango, Louis Rosenfeld, and Peter Morville
Since all the three authors are Information Architecture (IA) consultants, this book provides a detailed introduction to IA and also the process, strategies, and implementation needed for IA.
goo.gl/7GMrZY
6. The Art of Scalability: Scalable Web Architecture, Processes, and Organizations for the Modern Enterprise
Authors: Michael T Fisher and Martin L Abbott
Exquisitely researched and informative guidebook with the best practices in technology and processes needed to build a scalable organization.
goo.gl/P6SXwq
7. Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability
Author: Steve Krug
You will be hooked onto the book from the very first page, thanks to Steve Kurg’s impeccable story-telling style and witty yet educative information. This book is an absolute favourite for anyone who’s interested in web designing.
goo.gl/GcdXde
8. Growing Your CIO Career: How CIOs Can Work With the Entire Company in Order to Be Successful
Author: Jim Anderson
What are the traits that make for a successful CIO? Who’s a CIO’s best friend? This book gives a vivid portrayal of what exactly goes in the life of a CIO and whether MBA is needed to become a successful CIO.
goo.gl/9eapiW
9. How To Win Friends & Influence People
Author: Dale Carnegie
One of the Time magazine’s 100 most influential books of 2011, this is one of the most popular self-help books available in the market. A compelling book, this helps one to understand the behaviour of the people and also how to improve communication and business skills.
goo.gl/7wdtUn
10. Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content that Works (Interactive Technologies)
Author: Ginny Redish
Renowned usability writer and consultant Ginny Redish presents a comprehensive and exhilarating look at anything which deals with writing on the web. Almost like a Bible for the web content writers and content strategists.
goo.gl/Lvl0UY
11. The Magic of Thinking Big
Author: David J. Schwartz
goo.gl/tKJkAq
This incredibly popular self-help book has sold over 4 million copies and comprises motivational pep talks on life, positivity and future. An easy-read, the book has practical examples, which will excite the readers to lead a happy and fulfilled life.
12. Technology vs Humanity: The Coming Clash Between Man and Machine
Author: Gerd Leonhard
Are we heading to an era where technology will completely dominate humanity, or should there be a sustainable balance between humanity and technology? This thought-provoking book by futurist Gerd Leonhard debates the ethics of technology and the disruptive potential and development of technology.
goo.gl/wh3Ns2
13. The Hard Thing about Hard Thing: Building a Business When There are No Easy Answers
Author: Ben Horowitz
Renowned American business and investor Ben Horowitz gives his first-hand experiences on building a technology business, from scaling it up, managing it to leading the way. The book has relatable content with good humour and learning.
goo.gl/mHgpQJ
14. The Industries of the Future
Author: Alec Ross
American technology policy expert, Alec Ross was also the Senior Advisor for Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her term as Secretary of State. He came up with an arresting and influential book, which explores the development in the fields of big data, cyber security, robotics and how these fields will impact our economic future.
goo.gl/Ml38ds
15. The Innovative CIO: How IT Leaders Can Drive Business Transformation
Authors: Andi Mann, George Watt, and Peter Matthews
There are no easy answers to questions such as how to implement new technologies in business. This is a carefully researched and well-documented book aimed for business leaders, IT leaders and CIOs.
goo.gl/EUcj3K
16. The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success
Author: Andy Andrews
The book tells an inspiring story of David Ponder, who lost his job but discovers seven decisions, which become the recipe of success in his life. Written by acclaimed motivational speaker Andy Andrews stories, the self-help book and management fiction has a beautiful and enchanting observation on life and business.
goo.gl/ZIQfLC
17. Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work
Authors: Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Do you always make the best choices in life? If you confidently say yes, then this book is not meant for you. But if you have ever stumbled upon in life while making decisions, then Heath brothers’ present an irresistible book, which offers practical strategies to make meaningful decisions in life.
goo.gl/WIpDxD
18. The Inevitable
Author: Kevin Kelly
How will virtual reality and artificial intelligence change our lives or the digital eco system? Renowned author Kevin Kelly explores and predicts the 12 technological trends that will dominate the digital space in the next 30 years. Add this book to your collection immediately.
goo.gl/wc9nv5
19. Think First: My No-Nonsense Approach to Creating Successful Products, Memorable User Experiences + Very Happy Customers
Author: Joe Natoli
The author comes with his 26 years of experience as a UX consultant and pens a strategic roadmap with proven and step-by-step processes to create functional products, dynamic user experience and happy customers.
goo.gl/pQEeRN
20. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Author: David Allen
This is the go-to book for any guidance on how to manage time productively and efficiently. From organizing your to-dos, setting your priorities, this book has solutions for all problems related to time management. It’s a must-read for any and every occasion.
goo.gl/X0pQtM
Here are 10 more books for CIOs, who are also bookworms
American author Susan Wiggs had once said, “You’re never alone when you’re reading a book.” So, on this World Book Day, make some time and read a book.
Happy reading.
References: Amazon, Goodreads, CoachingByChris.com, UX Mastery, High Scalability, World Economic Forum, CIO.com, The Enterprisers Project
