From Doers To Value Seekers

David McClure, former director of IT management issues at the Government Accountability Office, divides CIOs into four categories:

The Doer

Focuses on technical and operational issues, such as the network and applications such as e-mail.

The Service Provider

Executes IT operations very well and successfully manages projects, but lacks the ability to engage top executives about meeting the agency's mission.

The Counselor

Plugged into program needs and priorities and able to reach out to mission-oriented executives, but not frequently consulted in developing requirements for projects.

The Value Seeker

Transformational and strategic, a communicator and collaborator, and successful at delivering outcomes-a rare bird in government.