"When the company is in rough shape, the CIO role ismore about leadership than technology," Morrison says. "Youhave to talk to your staff every day and tell themeverything you know, even if the information is changing ona daily basis. Tell them that you'll update them as itcomes, but that it could change at any minute. Even if youdon't have an answer for them, tell them that you don'tknow. That helps them know you're being honest, even thoughit's not an easy situation. Be up front about layoffs andother reductions in staff. Everyone knows about layoffsbecause it's in the paper every day. You have to address ithonestly with your staff because they're concerned. Try tolook ahead so there are no surprises for them."

As a leader, even if your own morale is down, you haveto keep your head up. When morale is bad, it's more vitalthan ever that the CIO be a fount of energy and guidance,even if it's just by keeping a smile on your face, hesays.

"This is where your leadership skills come into play,"says Morrison. "Everything that you do or say or feel isprojected to your staff, and even the slightest negativitywill come across. And your staff needs that leadership. Whenyou're the CIO, they think you know everything."

Building morale through improved communication meansmore than smiling and keeping an open door, however. Itmeans developing trust between you and your employees, andthat kind of connection is made by opening up aboutyourself, both personally and professionally, says PeggyKlaus, a communications consultant based in San Franciscoand adjunct professor at the Wharton School of Business'sexecutive MBAMBA program. Alles zu MBA auf CIO.de

"Tell your employees about your leadership style, yourphilosophy on work and life, the environment you want tocreate with them, your vision and how you plan to achieveit," Klaus says. "Tell them how you want them to communicatewith you, and tell them what your foibles are. Let them seeyou as you are. Let them know you've been through roughtimes before and how you plan to get through it thistime. Thank them for staying with you through this. Solicittheir concerns and offer your help in getting throughobstacles. Get specific about how you intend to make thesituation better if you can, and how you'll support them."