Information systems (IS) managers face a challenge. They must manage a set of technical and human resources, in a rapidly changing environment, to deliver value to an organization that is also in a state of change. For an effective manager -- one with good general management skills, a strategic "big picture" view of the organization, and good communication skills -- this would be a test. However, for the CIO without these traits, the task of managing the IT organization can be perilous.