Discussion on:

How to find out what you don't know

I like how you worded weaknesses as "growth opportunities".

I, too, agree that managers do need outside consulting (or even simply outside perspective). After all, it allows unbiased opinion to prove that there is issue(s) present and to help these managers 'grow' in the areas in order to rectify them.

The Tech industry is similar to what a doctor goes through in the field of medicine. How do you stay up on everything you need to stay up on to do your job?

Some ideas might include having time set aside with your staff to discuss the aspects, trends, or latest IT enterprise in staff meetings. Assign each staff person an area to research and then briefly give an overview of the benefits and drawbacks relating to your company's strategic mission. Decide how to best proceed after the brief presentation. You may find that you need to go to a specific seminar or conference that gives greater insight into the subject. This also creates an opportunity to network with other experts who may be able to point you in the right direction to proceed.

A shot gun approach can be something like attending the Consumer Electronics Show, as an example, where you can find out the latest trends, gadgets, tech advancements all under "one roof" !

Sadly I worked for a CTO/CIO/CSO (Chief Tech/Information/Security) that did not know the business or the technology in use. He did however have a great relationship with the CAO and used it to his advantage.