Morning in Washington D.C

This picture, taken in the wee hours of the morning in Washington D.C., shows two of the most inspiring structures in America: the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building. Though the Monument may have the center stage, the Capitol Building is only two miles away and serves as a meeting place for all the leaders who represent the people. State representatives meet there and work tirelessly in the background to support all the ideals that the Monument emulates.

The Impact of a CEO

In a company, the CEO plays the role of the Washington Monument. They are the face of the company, so all eyes are drawn to them. This prominent position gives them the platform to proclaim and emulate what their organization stands for.

The Impact of a CIO

The CIO resembles the Capitol Building in this case. Although a CIO may not be held in the spotlight, their work is crucial in the rolling forward of a company. CIOs help execute the business’s vision. They are responsible for the management, implementation, and security of information and technologies to accomplish the goals of the organization.

As companies are rapidly becoming increasingly technological, the value of qualified CIOs continually rises as well.

Working Together

Leader – Employees

The Washington Monument is composed of three distinct types of marble. During construction, when their first type of marble underwent a complication, they attempted to build with a second type of marble. Unfortunately, this new marble was not the quality needed for such a structure, as it was weak and created friction. They continued searching for the best materials for the job and tried another type of marble, which successfully integrated into the structure.
For good or for bad, the traits of these different types of marble can emerge in modern leaders when associating with their team.

Working with their team members is a non-negotiable part of a CEOs and CIOs job, so recruiting candidates who collaborate well with the company’s culture is essential for establishing a fluidly operating workplace. Companies depend on these leaders to blend well with their teams and strengthen the whole business. A leader who is discordant with their team members, like the second marble, could potentially create friction, consequently weakening the company. Like the successful marble, a well-respected and influential CEO or CIO is cohesive with their workplace, and flexible with their circumstances.

CEO – CIO

Lisa Kleypas wrote in one of her best-selling novels a universal truth of uncommon people working together, that even though “separately, they had different strengths, together they were complete” (Kleypas). In business, it is vital to have leaders with unique and dynamic skills to offer. CEOs and CIOs have very different job descriptions, as well as very different expertise.

The Leaders pave the way!

Under all of their diverging responsibilities, the CEOs and CIOs play important roles and have a common, fundamental goal that drives everything they do: build and innovate a successful company.