In particular, Mirchandani set out to make EMC's IT department into a showcase for the company's products a "drink your own Kool Aid" approach. This required a transition to the private cloud, one of EMC's key offerings. "That was a fundamental change for our organization," LeBlanc says. "It did make some people pause and wonder what it means to be an IT professional now. Competencies that make someone successful may be different from what they were before."
In the end, EMC wound up with a stronger IT organization and a stronger company, according to LeBlanc. "After a few years of focusing on staff productivity, it was probably the right time to raise the game and begin contributing directly to EMC's product development and sales opportunities," he says. "I think much more globally now. I also have a better appreciation of how an IT organization within a high-tech enterprise can contribute and be accepted as a strategic business partner."
--Minda Zetlin
Experts recommend taking the initiative. "You should really approach your new boss, or your boss's boss," Gingras says.
Like most of the advice in this story, that's a good strategy for IT employees at every level, though the approach might vary depending on what you do. "Even if you're a PC technician, it never hurts to knock on the door and say, 'Welcome to the company! How can I help you succeed?'" Gingras says.
If you don't have the opportunity to directly give the new CIO an overview of your responsibilities, then offer one to your immediate boss for him or her to pass on to the CIO, Watson advises. "It's always a good strategy to make your boss look good, so proactively providing an executive summary of your responsibilities and deliverables status could set you apart."
When you do get a chance to talk to the new CIO, always remind him or her of your name, Watson says. "And when attending a joint meeting with the CIO and your peers, find opportunities to speak out and offer added insight or data," he says.
You should avoid sitting through such a meeting without saying anything, he adds. But at the same time, "be careful not to over-speak, and not to appear political," he warns.
Misstep 5: Failing to Reapply for Your Job
"When a new CIO comes in, you're in essence auditioning for your job," Bonfante says. "You should be confident that you have value and willing to market what you've done for the organization. But don't act like the job is guaranteed. You should always act as if you're being interviewed."
