Companies should take their time identifying and grooming a CIO successor, include prospective managers in strategy discussions to help them acquire planning and leadership skills, and provide ongoing feedback to proteges, the firm also recommends.

Lastly, Robert Half Technology suggests taking a trial run. "A vacation is a good time to have a potential successor assume some of your responsibilities. The employee will gain experience while you learn how prepared the person is to take on a greater role." [Also see: ""]

Ann Bednarz covers IT careers, outsourcing and Internet culture for Network World. Follow Ann on Twitter at @annbednarz and check out her blog, Occupational Hazards. Her email address is abednarz@nww.com.

in Network World's Infrastructure Management section.