So you want to be the CIO?

The A List recently spoke with Mark Sohl, CIO of Generation Mortgage to find out what makes a great IT leader and what he would recommend to someone who wants to take his place one day. It’s a big job.

Even though he’s the top tech guy, Mark explained that’s it’s the people part of his job that he enjoys most. Here’s what Mark had to say, in his own words….

What’s the best part about your role at AutoTrader.com?

Mentoring.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be CIO one day?

What do they need? Experience. It’s all about experience. I think a CIO needs to be more like a COO. They need to spend half of their career on the operating side.  That’s because the CIO is in a very unique position to influence the overall direction of the company.

What’s unique about managing IT people?

Gear heads and geeks hate bureaucracy and lack of clarity. The CIO’s number one job is to buy them freedom to be great. That means giving them clarity and protecting them from the bureaucracy.

What’s the toughest part about the job?

Patience – knowing how much opportunity there is sitting right in front of us to grab and having the patience to go at a pace where the business and IT organizations can capture the opportunities.

How do you keep all the plates spinning?

Grow and mentor really strong people. Then, delegate very well.

How do you identify the right people for your team?

They have to be smart and passionate. They’ve got to want not only to be great, but also to help others be great. Diversity is also a big part – bringing different skills to the table.

What motivates you?

Relationships. And looking at the job more like a game. The best way to have fun at a game is to play that game alongside people that you enjoy playing with.

What’s it like working with Agile?

Agile develops rock-solid, trusted partnerships that have open, transparent communication. They’re great to work with.