What makes a really great startup CTO?
The day-to-day life of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in a startup is vastly different to that of a CTO within a large company. All CTO’s should have a deep understanding of the business goals, customer and product. Their role is to develop strategy, lead a team of engineers and oversee ‘the big picture’.
However a startup CTO needs to be willing to get their hands dirty at first — to do some of the hard grind. They will also find themselves taking on a range of different responsibilities required to fill in for gaps in the team. A great CTO is a hybrid of business and technical talent, with the following characteristics:
A strong engineering background: A great CTO will have practical engineering experience and training they can rely upon. Depending on staff to solve technical problems will lead to costly mistakes. This is why most CTOs have a degree in computer science and are knowledgeable in system architecture, programming and software design. While not all of these skills are universal among CTOs, a background in development makes them better equipped at handling technical challenges.
Role flexibility: A CTO at a startup needs to be willing to get their hands dirty at first but, as the business grows, the role will often evolve to become more managerial.
A knowledge of existing and emerging technologies: A good startup CTO should be able to evaluate multiple technologies and identify those that are the best fit for the business. Many emerging technologies appear promising and exciting, but the community support and developer pool may stagnate over time. Technology selection should come from a deep understanding, a long term vision and playing to the strengths of the team. Rather than following the latest trend.
An understanding of their limitations: A great CTO knows their own limitations but can identify experts to fill these gaps. For example, they may be knowledgeable in platform selection or technical design but might lack management skills.
Knowing who to hire: The CTO is responsible for hiring the core development team. He/she needs to be able to identify and attract developers that aren’t just gifted but will help shape the culture of the business.
…and who to fire: Equally important is knowing when an employee is not going to work out. Startups need to move quick and having developers who aren’t pulling their weight will affect growth.
Prior experience in startups: A CTO from a corporate environment will have different experiences than one who has operated in the faster paced, less bureaucratic environment of the startup world. Prior experience here can be a huge benefit.
Creates a positive workplace culture: A great CTO will foster a rewarding and positive workplace culture to promote creative work and a contented team. Talented developers are difficult to find and regularly receive other job offers. The CTO has the opportunity to shape a culture where developers feel engaged and inspired to produce their best work.
Proven project management skills: CTOs should have experience in managing multiple projects while communicating with the development team and other business units.
A focus on the customer: Successful development requires both an internal and external focus. The CTO should understand and influence these.
Putting in the work! To be great at anything, you need to invest the time. A CTO needs to manage expectations, build technology, nurture the business culture and inspire his team. All this needs someone who is willing to go that extra mile and tough it out. It’s the startup way!
