even avoided. IT is often seen a technical backwater, but it is a discipline which has the capability to add massive value to an organisation whether it is in the private or the public sector - provided of course it has the right leadership doing the right things. Aspiring IT Leaders will need to deal with a common set of recurring trials and challenges. These include: * Overcoming the challenge of managing diverse and conflicting stakeholders * How to deal with large and complex projects * Making sense of software and how to handle the rapidly changing technology landscape * Knowing when to outsource and how to get the best out of an outsourcing partner * Harnessing the intellectual power of consultants to help you meet your goals * And last but not least, how to develop a set of strategies that are aligned with your corporate goals and then make sure your resources are properly targetted so that the IT function generates maximum positive impact for the enterprise. For IT professionals looking to fully integrate their function into the enterprise, 'Staying the Course as a CIO' is a valuable source of practical advice, all based on real experience.