Naked CIO: All I want for Christmas

If CIOs had a Santa Claus, what would they ask for this Christmas? The Naked CIO is making a list and checking it twice.

The following is a list that I intend to send to the North Pole in the hope that Mr Claus and his reindeer stop by on Christmas Eve, jump through my corporate chimney and leave me the gifts I need to run my business effectively.

I won't even contemplate if I have been naughty or nice. I just hope I am still on Santa's good side.

Dear Santa,

1. I hope the budget I have presented will get approved and I can start the New Year off running and get some things done - as opposed to the normal wait until the end of the first quarter before the budget gets cut then rubber stamped.

2. I ask that I will be able to retain my headcount at current levels and hopefully get approval for the additional heads we need to service the business.

3. I would like good, well-intentioned, loyal and competent new hires who will be excited about the opportunity to work for a progressive department and company. Is it too much to ask to be inspired by those that work around me?

4. I hope Santa brings my CEO good cheer and the sensibility to realise the power of technology when implemented well. In doing so perhaps the understanding of our function and the executive support that is essential in meeting our goals will be achieved - and we can do some fabulous things in 2009 with the full support of the executive team. While over the last year I have pleaded our case as effectively as possible, it sometimes becomes exhausting always having to justify why IT has value and once, just once, I am hoping they get it.

5. I hope Santa can make long-range strategy trump short-term tactics this year - and that as such long-term investment will win out over short-term cost-cutting.

6. I hope that Santa visits Her Majesty's government and persuades it that too much compliance and regulation impacts IT operations in a negative way - and that perhaps instead of slapping ridiculous, neophyte compliance processes on business, the spirit of sharing and giving could allow them to work with instead of against businesses.

7. On a personal note I hope that the one wish in this world I want more than anything will come true - and I will become the luckiest person in the world.

It is somewhat sad that I have had to look towards a mythical source to fulfil my wishes but unfortunately all other practical sources have dried up and I have no other options at this point.

The reality of our IT world today is that without Santa, what can we believe in to ensure the growth and potential of our vocation? Perhaps belief is one thing we all need more of.