Playing a role outside

Leading CIOs tackle how to reward success, deal with corporate boards and know when to say, "no."

For those of you still in straight CIO roles, how involved do you get in operations?

Linda Goodspeed, Lennox International
The most important thing a CTO or CIO can have is an understanding of operations. Having P&L experience is one of the best ways to truly understand the business and customer needs. IT is not the main product of the company--its purpose is to deliver products to customers. My responsibility is also strategic sourcing, IT and engineering and supply chain. I'm constantly looking for different ways to apply technology to our businesses.

Cal Sihilling, Nash Finch
Other than technology stuff, I'm responsible for facilitating the strategic plan. Organizing that. I have responsibility for the project office. We call it the "project support group" for IT projects. Also, I'm responsible for process--re-engineering process, creating repeatable processes. We're staffing up on that now.

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