In a revealing interview, Rob Hornbuckle speaks with Keith Muma of the Executive Council about the secrets behind a winning workplace culture. Hornbuckle, who has been the Chief Information Officer at Innovative Defense Technologies since 2023, with a rich tapestry of previous experience across diverse sectors, highlights the critical role of empathy, adaptability in remote work environments and the significance of emotional intelligence in shaping effective IT leadership. His approach offers insightful strategies for fostering resilient, successful IT teams in the rapidly evolving digital era.
Building a Culture of Empathy and Growth
Central to Hornbuckle’s philosophy is the concept of empathy. He underscores the importance of understanding and supporting the goals and aspirations of team members. “My approach is simple: speak with everyone you work with and help them meet their goals,” Hornbuckle reveals.
This philosophy nurtures a workplace conducive to personal and professional growth and attracts and retains top talent. His belief in effective communication and emotional intelligence forms the bedrock of his leadership style, demonstrating how a leader’s empathetic approach can revolutionize the workplace, creating an environment ripe for growth and professional development.
Rob Hornbuckle
“The goal is to develop future leaders, whether they continue with your organization or move on.”
Modern IT Security in a Remote Work Era
Hornbuckle emphasizes shifting IT security from a policing model to a service-oriented approach. He explains, “This shift aligns with agile and responsive security methods, where IT security becomes a strategic business partner rather than a restrictive oversight role.” This evolution is pivotal in contemporary IT management, where rapid response and flexibility are vital.
With the shift to remote work, Hornbuckle acknowledges the challenges of maintaining and developing company culture and is exploring innovative strategies to foster team dynamics in this new environment. These efforts highlight the importance of flexible and strategic thinking in adapting IT leadership to the dynamic digital workplace.
Hornbuckle recognizes the potential issues, especially in building new teams. He suggests innovative strategies to replace or supplement the in-person interactions that traditionally fostered team dynamics. Soft skills, particularly emotional intelligence, play a crucial role, noting their crucial role in connecting with people and successfully leading an IT team. This approach is integral to creating a positive and productive work environment, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by remote work.
Balancing Business and Technical Knowledge
Reflecting on his journey to becoming a successful CIO, Hornbuckle highlights the importance of balancing business knowledge with technical expertise. He holds two master’s degrees, one in information security and an MBA, which he believes helped him bridge the gap between technical know-how and business acumen.
Hornbuckle’s strategy involves managing and training his direct reports to adopt his empathetic and growth-oriented approach to their teams. This method ensures that the culture he fosters at the top level permeates the organization. In addition, he’s a great believer in creating a culture of feedback. Rob encourages seeking feedback on oneself before offering it to others, fostering a two-way communication channel that enhances mutual understanding and respect.
Hornbuckle is also a proponent of using tools like CliftonStrengths to understand team members’ personalities and strengths better. This method allows him to tailor his approach to individual needs and aspirations, fostering a culture of growth and development within his team.
A Blueprint for Modern IT Leadership
Rob Hornbuckle’s journey and insights offer a valuable blueprint for navigating the complexities of IT leadership in the digital era. His empathetic, service-oriented approach and deep understanding of the evolving technology landscape provide a model for IT executives striving to build effective, resilient teams in a rapidly changing world.
Hornbuckle’s model highlights the importance of adapting to changing work dynamics, such as remote work, and underscores the balance between technical skills and business acumen. His insights present a comprehensive guide for IT executives to develop resilient, adaptive teams equipped for the challenges of the digital age.
Discover how working with a CISO P2P advisor can enhance your team’s growth and adaptability in the evolving IT landscape. Contact us by emailing ciso@executivecouncil.com or (415) 233-4222.
