"I need someone who knows how to operate computer people."

We repainted our offices last week and I found this behind my desk. I don't know the source.

I like it. See also:

• What tech skills does a school CTO need?
• The changing role of the CTO
• Keep your building techs by keeping them happy

Trying to organize some of these thoughts in a column tentatively titled "Why your next CTO should be an English major".

Comments

[Mstina]

Doug. I love this cartoon! Most IT directors can't possibly have all the experience, education, or skills that most people seem to expect us to have! For certain our people skills are the most critical. I look forward to your thoughts on how you think or role will be changing in the future.

[Doug Johnson]

Thanks, Tina. I can wait to read what I think either ;-)

Doug

[Jacquie Henry]

My daughter has an interesting job. I can't really explain it, because I am not sure I entirely understand it. Anyway ,,,,, she is a marine biologist and I do know she creates databases for the information provided by the biologists who work in the field. She has worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Association for several years. When she got married and her husband got a job in Michigan, she gave notice to her boss who immediately said - "Just set up equipment at home, come here a few times a year, and you can keep your job." I gather one of the ways she has made herself indispensable is by acting as the liaison ...aka translator....between the science geeks and the technology geeks. She loves both fields, and she is the perfect "bridge" between the two groups. Perhaps that is where librarians fit in? Being the official tech translators for teachers.

[Doug Johnson]

Hi Jacquie,

Your daughter sounds almost as smart as her mom!

It's interesting you say this because the title of my column Head for the Edge comes from concept that the most valuable people in an organization are those who operate where two areas of expertise meet - the edge. I've always seen information and technology as those two areas for librarians.

Thanks for your observations,

Doug