This study addresses the role of a Dutch chief
information security officer (CISO) and the soft skills required
in this leadership role. The overview of soft skills is the outcome
of the CISO perspectives in a Delphi study combined with an
analysis of soft skills mentioned in job ads. A comparison with
an earlier US-based study revealed that soft skills are ranked
differently by Dutch CISOs. Moreover, we found that soft skills
are not clearly described in job ads – none of these ads had
explicitly listed soft skills. The present study demonstrates that
CISOs with soft skills are in demand. The development of soft
skills starts at a young age through various social activities and is
also the result of self-actuation. The practical implications of this
study are that it offers insights into the soft skills required for the
role and discusses best-fitting leadership styles and ways in which
organisations should include soft skills in recruitment.
