In times of hypergrowth, ascaleup’s technology strategy becomes increasingly important to the entire business, whether it’s marketing, sales, manufacturing, or human resources. A CTO can therefore be one of the most important additions you will make to your team: they are both a specialist in technology and have the ability to stay on the cutting edge of new technological trends, and a specialist in human relations because he has the ability to inspire and lead a team to create added value through technology.
What exactly does a CTO do?
The primary role of the CTO is to develop and implement long-term technology goals aligned with the company’s overall vision, mission, and values. By keeping abreast of the latest trends, the CTO delivers the best possible technology solutions for business growth, establishing the core network architecture, leading the teams that implement it, and managing user expectations.
A successful CTO is both an IT professional and a leader, with a wide range of complementary skills in technology, strategic thinking, communication, and customer service. Here are the seven skills and characteristics of a great CTO:
1. Leadership
As part of the executive team, a great CTO possesses leadership skills, including the ability to inspire their team, delegate responsibility, and drive positive technology transformation. A great CTO is as comfortable sitting at the same table as company executives as they are coding with developers and geeks. He makes sure everyone is on the same page and heading in the same direction.
2. Technical knowledge
CTOs should have strong knowledge and years of experience in network architecture, data engineering, software development and application, including operational drivers and constraints, such as speed, security, compatibility, scalability and usability. In a rapidly expanding field, where new technologies appear almost daily, good CTOs are constantly on the watch of the industry and are able to recognize the technologies that best meet the needs of their business.
3. Strategic thinking
Understanding how a particular technology will align with business goals and ensuring it is implemented strategically and systematically is key to successful growth. One of the key qualities of a great CTO is their ability to anticipate upcoming trends, plan and provide direction to the business. It requires boldness, foresight, agility and creativity, someone who can use technology to improve organization and increase business.
4.Communication skills
It’s essential to know how technology works, but it’s also important to be able to explain the value of technology to those who aren’t as tech-savvy. A successful CTO is able to communicate clearly in technical terms to their technical team and in plain language to technology users, whether they are CEOs and executives, employees or customers.
5. A hands-on approach
A hands-on, collaborative approach goes a long way to ensuring a positive technology experience. A CTO works with many different people, in different departments and sectors, and must show understanding and empathy to guide their team through any challenges they may encounter at each stage of technology growth. These human qualities are just as important as the technical qualities.
6.Education
An excellent CTO should have at least a background in a related field: computer science, engineering, or cybersecurity. He must have experience as an engineer or lead developer. CTOs are passionate and continue to learn beyond formal education, they are eager for the latest in technology, and have a knack for solving problems in the field.
7.The customer as a concern
In addition to being tech-savvy, a CTO must also have soft skills. A great CTO can anticipate customer challenges and needs, point out the different technology solutions available, and explain their benefits in simple terms. Open to customer feedback and continuous improvement, a CTO will ensure your customers get the best possible product and service, on time and on budget.