As a CIO of a growing midsize business, and having come up through the ranks, I am well aware of attempts to "train" or "manage" me. Now because I've been in IT long enough to remember dumb terminals, I've seen plenty of things and people pass through, so don't think this is all new.

My only real requirement is, if you think something can be improved, something is going wrong, or you have some great idea, call me and make an appointment. Bounce it off me and I'll give honest feedback. If you haven't thought and planned it through carefully, you will be sent back to your desk to rethink it. If it's one of those "it sounds so cool" ideas, you may be finding yourself doing field support in Anchorage in Decempber, depending on how hair-brained it is.

Just be direct and talk to me. Any attempt to "train", "manage" or otherwise manipulate me will be dealt with harshly.