Attaining IT leadership success is no easy feat, given the increasing workload and responsibilities hitting the CIO desk. But as one CIO relates, there are some specific good practices tech leaders can follow to help ensure career success and IT achievement. The first is recognizing an "irrevocable" decision and not rushing into decision-making. An example of this is choosing a new platform foundation or moving toward outsourcing.

A good second best practice is mapping out what is called "essential competencies" within your tech organization to build a strong competency pool. Experts have consistently advised proper staffing is a key element to a tech leader's management success. Another survival tip is tied to flexibility and the capability to handle unexpected changes and challenges.

For more on CIO survival insight:
- read this column at CIO Insight