The CIS Manager or Director is the person responsible for running the CIS department.  This is the person usually responsible for selecting and supervising the members of the CIS department.  It used to be that technical people were assigned the role of CIS Manager because the experienced technical person was a good decision maker, an individual contributor as well as a doer.  These are not necessarily the characteristics of an effective CIS Manager in the changing world of technology. The effective CIS Manager allows the team to own the department and be responsible for the projects. The good CIS Manager has an attitude of getting the work done via the team instead of trying to be the super hero.  The CIS Manager now also gives credit where credit is due. 

Some of the CIS management tasks include planning, organizing, integrating, controlling, leading, decision making, communicating and building a supportive climate for the CIS department. These responsibilities require the skills listed below.

The CIS Manager should be a motivator or an inspiration to the members of the team.  The CIS Manager should utilize a management style of facilitation and he/she should be a member of the working team.  The CIS Manager also needs to be a master at communication and have the skills to manage conflict and change because technology is constantly changing.  Each organization has unique players, policies, politics, and unspoken rules.  The CIS Manager needs to know how to negotiate through this maze or know the right people to assist with the negotiations. Understanding this culture can help a CIS Manager become more successful.

For more information about CIS Managers/Directors, you can select the following links.

U. S. Department of Labor