Nearly every week, there are articles in the media about the real role of the CIO. And that means that there is plenty of confusion out there, not to mention plenty of untested waters. At some companies, the CIO is taking on an increasingly diverse role, merging his tech background with his business savvy. At others, the job changes day to day. And success is impossible to achieve if you don't know what the expectations are.

It certainly seems like CIOs are taking on a more important strategic role in companies, regardless of whether they report to the CEO or not. Like it or not, the CIO is the brain trust for an important segment of a company's success, from direct contacts with every customer to the macro-vision needed to help the company reach new heights.

When was the last time you weren't called in to help when something bad happened in your company? Were you recognized as part of a successful team? With all this in mind, remember the position is changing, and the most important issue for you is not to rely on the past, but move forward to the future with new ideas and an enterprising way of doing things. Try something new today. -Judi

P.S. In observance of the President's Day holiday, next week's issue of FierceCIO will be published on Tuesday, rather than Monday.