Out of the frying pan.....?

After many years creating a rounded background in IT - working for Utilities, Management Consultancy, SME and more recently, leading European Internet businesses as IT Director (and gaining an MBA along the way in 1995), I am now seeking to move back into Management consultancy to further / accelerate my career.

Am I jumping out of the frying pan, into the fire, or would you consider this as good a career move as any right now?

Charles,

Reached the IT director level and now moving back into management consultancy? Sounds like you're bored, unchallenged or just that the fire has gone out. You might find the same dichotomy in management consultancy. On a positive, look at the strategies where you are, and if they're not challenging the boundaries, ask yourself the question as IT director; "What is IT going to give to the business that will be valued in the years to come?"

In any case sounds pretty much a case of 'if no ones playing ball, take the game to them....'

Well... as an IT Director, you have the opportunity to define what the role of IT should be. Look beyond just the support and business enabling functions of IT. Consider technology as a proactive member in your company, working with the business as a partner.

Here are a few questions on which you can ponder :

- How do I generate creativity and innovation throughout my company ? (using both the business and IT expertise)

- How do I measure performance ? How do I identify and mitigate operational risk ?

- How do I develop and retain talent ?

- How do I manage my portfolio of strategic alliances ?

- How do I market the company's technology leadership ?

- What is the role of IT and how does it interact with the business ?

There are so many interesting aspects of IT when you get to the top of the hierarchy.

Why join a management consultancy when you can put your ideas into action for the company you work for ?