The butterfly on the cover of this month’s Computing Business is a strong visual metaphor for the challenges facing the contemporary chief information officer (CIO).

After all, modern technology leadership is all about successful transformation. Whether it is business processes or technology implementation, CIOs are expected to lead change management projects that will benefit the business.

Like the metamorphosis of the butterfly, many IT projects will involve several stages of progression, such as re-engineering, restructuring and cultural change.

But unlike the butterfly – which passes from egg to caterpillar and pupa, before becoming a winged adult – the result of change management initiatives is often less than spectacular.

Despite the concept of managing change having been around for almost 80 years, up to 70 per cent of projects still fail.

So, what is going wrong? Why is transformation such a tricky task for the IT organisation and the business at large?

This month’s cover feature highlights a host of reasons: think of your problematic change management projects, pick and mix the relevant factors – and think about what you could improve next time.

First, transformation is about looking after your people, not looking after your technology. Building trust among your team requires honesty – and that means ensuring everyone in the team is cared for, from developers to board members.

The key to successful change management, meanwhile, is preparation. Do not concentrate on quick wins at the expense of getting the processes right.

Finally, take your eyes off the butterfly and take a long, hard look at yourself. Are you really cut out to be a change manager?

The role of the CIO is rapidly evolving and analyst Gartner says future technology leaders will have to become proficient business people, with some not wanting or having the ability to be successful.

It is time, then, for you to ensure that a host of change management techniques are in your best-practice armoury.

Successful change will inevitably come down to a case of transformation – both in the business and in the individual.

So, are you a caterpillar struggling to make your technology improve the business, or a beautiful butterfly providing efficiencies and value to the board?

Keep working on your change management methods and your metamorphosis will be complete.

Read the Computing Business blog