Executive Quote by Martha Heller
““First, you need to understand the attitude that the current executive committee has toward IT," says Richter. "Do they believe that IT is a back-office function and a necessary evil? If the executive committee does not believe in the strategic importance of IT, and you don't have the credibility to change their perspective, your chances of success are very slim. In that case, you may want to look for other professional opportunities elsewhere.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Business Leadership Conference, 2023
Executive committees must view IT as strategic, not merely a back‑office cost; without that belief, IT leaders struggle to influence and may need to seek other roles.
In simple terms: IT needs strategic respect; otherwise leaders may leave.
Key Takeaway
Ensure IT is seen as essential to strategy.
Themes
leadership
IT strategy
organizational culture
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
advice
strategic
When to use this quote
- corporate meetings
- board presentations
- career counseling
Key Concepts
strategic alignment
executive perception
career decisions
Questions to Reflect On
- How can IT demonstrate strategic value?
- What alternatives exist if alignment fails?
A Different Perspective
If IT is seen as strategic, other challenges arise.
