The Modern CEO is a compilation of research, stories, strategies and sets forth a cutting-edge approach to sharing the message of innovative leadership through technology. This book provides an insiders prospective with insights from information technology practitioners, leadership experts, technology consultants, and more importantly organization leaders. As technology continues to play a larger role in leadership strategies as it pertains to achieving business goals, and objectives the author discusses best-practices for leaders to take their organizations to higher levels. West, goes inside the minds of today's leader and prescribes viable tools, effective solutions, and solutions designed to address any organizations unique technology needs.

The Modern CEO

Technology Tools, Innovation & Guidebook for today's Tech Savvy LeaderBy ANDREW L. WEST

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 Andrew L. West
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-4743-6

Contents

Acclaim for the Modern CEO: Technology Tools, Innovation & Guidebook for today's Tech Savvy Leader.....................xiI Am Grateful..........................................................................................................xviForeword...............................................................................................................xxIntroduction to Technology Thought-Leadership..........................................................................xxiiBefore We Begin........................................................................................................1Who Should Read This Book..............................................................................................9Memorandum.............................................................................................................111. The global state of Technology in Business, 2011 and beyond.........................................................132. What every Tech-Savvy Leader needs to know..........................................................................183. Getting your senior staff technology house in order.................................................................214. Reform your Tech Department and Strategy............................................................................255. 3 Truth's about Tech Savvy Organizations............................................................................296. A Focus on Technology in Education..................................................................................337. Right Sizing your Organizations Tech Model..........................................................................398. How to transform your Organization with Technology Service Assurance................................................479. Is your Organization Technology strategy aligned with your mission?.................................................5610. Tech Savvy CEO's, this is your time................................................................................6411. Tech Savvy CEO Outlook, 2012.......................................................................................67Acknowledgements.......................................................................................................71About the Author.......................................................................................................75Author's Platform......................................................................................................79

Chapter One

THE GLOBAL STATE OF TECHNOLOGY IN BUSINESS, 2011 AND BEYOND

Now that I have your undivided attention, listen closely as I speak. Imagine if the only key to your success as a leader was tied to your ability to innovate, make use of technology, and apply ingenuity daily. Perhaps the key to maximizing your earning potential, improving your organization as whole, or even obtaining a higher level of maximum operational efficiency were all contingent upon your perception of, application, usage of, and ability to embrace Information Technology systems. If these don't apply to you, at this moment, as you continue to read on they will. Perhaps you lead an organization which you are trying to advance to a higher level and your insight and foresight as a Tech-Savvy leader, have led you to this resource. Or maybe, your biggest challenge or threat on your most recent SWOT analysis is the IT Department or some antiquated process or system.

Before we get really deep, there are several truths that I have resolved in regard to effective use of technology across organization. With that in mind, throughout the book, the use of technology-rich language is used. Pay particular attention to the intentional and relevant use of language, buzz words, and colloquialisms that define the current technology landscape.

"Technology innovation has taken off full speed ahead ... It's no longer ok to merely "stay up to date" with what's going on. Technology integration, innovation and virtualization are a movement; we must participate in the change, or simply be liabilities of it rather than beneficiaries." —Andrew West, Technology Messenger

We live now in a time where Leadership has become synonymous with innovation. To establish the language and context throughout this book, I'd like you the CEO, President, Business Owner, Proprietor, C-Level executive, Pastor, Board President, Entrepreneuror "soon-to-be" to think of Leadership and Innovation coupled together. This theory was first introduced in the early 90's by the Massachusetts's Institute of Technology. It suggest that in the 21st century to lead any organization effectively, modern leaders must own and communication the message of innovative technology systems, and usage toward the goal of increased operational efficiency within organization and also to position American organization to compete globally with Europe and Asia.

A friend and fellow leader and former Navy First Class Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), Theodore George recently enlightened me to the concept of (8) elements of power which are Charisma, Education, Culture, Geography, Military, Religion, Economics, and last but certainly not least, Technology. Gaining knowledge of this gave me a breath of fresh air Modern CEO's. It is assuring to know that our country's military values and implements Technology and furthermore strategically acknowledges Technology as an element of power.

Thanks to the inventions, and ingenuity of so many major manufactures of in-hand technology such as Microsoft, Apple, Dell, IBM, Motorola, and many others information is accessible to us constantly. When I first entered the Information Technology workforce back in 1998 I was working entry-level as a Newsroom Technical Support Specialist with Turner Technology Services, the management company that provides administrative services to Cable News Network (CNN) in Atlanta, Georgia. During that time, the first generation of palm-pilots had arrived on the scene; Blackberry's were gaining momentum as the only phone that allowed customers to read mobile e-mail. As members of IT departments at that time, we all had hand-held radios to keep in touch throughout the over 100,000 square foot CNN center in downtown Atlanta. I had my own personal Motorola flip phone which I was ever so proud of. During the time, IT professionals and leaders coined the phrase "Attached at the hip" to describe the mandate of availability of the IT guy. I was literally accessible via (4) devices at any given moment. Modern CEO's we have come a long way in less than (15) years. All of those functions are achievable through a single device today.

So you may be wondering why a Technologist by profession would be authoring a business book? The fact that you're reading this book at this moment either printed or digitally, suggests that you have paid attention to industry trends, you believe in growing professionally and equipping your staff and organization with relevant resources. Perhaps you are a Tech-Savvy leader. Or at best, want-to-be a Tech Savvy leader. The reason for me beginning with releasing this book first, is because of the mandate that exists in the marketplace. The current state of business places high demands on Technology as the right tool, at the...