The CIO's Responsibility to Speak Up

IT is the place where everything comes together, so we see things through a different lens than other executives. From our unique vantage point, we are able to spot business opportunities, trends, and cultural issues that impact the organization, which other executives may not see.  So, it is wise to remember, as CIO, that your influence expands way outside your functional area.

Probably the biggest learning in my role as CIO of Best Buy is how much the rest of the organization needs to hear what we have to say.  We often get so focused on doing our job operationally, or making sure our projects are on track, that we forget that we have a big seat at the table, a big voice in the company, and we need to be heard. It is our responsibility to say what needs to be said.