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You're an IT exec who joins a company as the heir apparent to the CIO, and you're told he's planning to retire in a few years. Six months later, he does, but the company hires a new CIO from the outside -- a guy you don't connect with. Is it time to leave?
Our expert panel weighs in:
Kim Batson, Career Management Coaching.com, Sammamish, Wash.
If you've been at the company only six months, a brief tenure could raise a red flag on your résumé, and you may find yourself needing to explain this short-term employment in future interviews. Remember, it was expected that there would be time for you to grow into the position before the CIO retired. Rather than leave now, I recommend a turnaround plan. Start by building a better relationship with the CIO and developing internal support.
Jean Fuller, Fuller Coaching, Woodside, Calif.
It's time for a career flow chart. That's when you chart the effort, quality and satisfaction levels associated with your career. This company is unlikely to give you a CIO role, so it's time to recognize that. Now ramp up your personal networking time with these questions in mind: How can your current job help you move to a CIO role outside the company? Can you shape it so it does? You can't effectively drive a career without a road map.
Renee Baker Arrington, Pearson Partners International Inc., Dallas
This situation has the potential to be one of the most enriching of your career, and it's important that you handle it well. First, update your trusted career advisers. Choose your words wisely so that you relate the facts and don't sound like a victim. Next, focus on your performance for the next several months. Seize this opportunity to demonstrate to the new CIO and executive team your ability to build relationships across the enterprise during what could otherwise be a difficult time. This is your chance to shine as a leader.
Windy Warner, ProCoach Inc., Dallas
I suggest a two-prong approach. First, take another stab at bonding with the new CIO. Ask how you can help him get up to speed quickly, and then follow through. Second, update your résumé and start networking. No matter how good you are, the CIO may want to bring in his own team. And if you really want a CIO title within the next year or two, start looking.
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