Navigating the Transition from Developer to CTO: Essential Insights
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the CTO Role
After a year in the role of CTO at a small company that has been operating for about a decade, I can share some crucial insights from my journey. Prior to stepping into this position, I had experience as a developer, tech lead, and eventually took on architectural responsibilities. My curiosity led me to explore what lay beyond architecture and team leadership, prompting me to accept an opportunity when it arose.
Before taking on this role, I consumed a variety of podcasts discussing the responsibilities of a CTO, covering everything from formulating technical strategies to ensuring financial efficiency. However, there were several lessons I wish I had grasped earlier.
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Section 1.1: Building Trust as a New CTO
One of the early challenges I faced—though not my biggest mistake—was the struggle to earn trust. As a newly appointed CTO, I quickly realized that I was under scrutiny from various stakeholders. I found that the initial level of trust was not as high as I anticipated. Many meetings involved me persuading colleagues that my ideas were well-founded based on my previous experiences with the organization.
It’s essential to understand that even in high-responsibility roles, trust is not given automatically. In previous positions, I had to present strong arguments to advocate for my vision; this mentality shouldn't be abandoned just because you've ascended to a C-level position. It took me some time to come to this realization, and I hope sharing this can help others avoid similar disappointments.
Section 1.2: Recognizing Your Boundaries
Some individuals thrive on identifying and resolving issues; I certainly found myself in this category. The software development teams I was managing expressed a desire to collaborate more closely rather than work in silos. As an advocate for mob programming, I attempted to guide them toward this new approach. While it was gratifying to witness cultural shifts within the company, I unwittingly began to take on responsibilities related to people management during one-on-ones.
While I was driven to solve problems, I learned that I could have delegated this people management aspect instead of stretching myself too thin. It’s important to manage your workload effectively and gracefully decline tasks that fall outside your primary responsibilities.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Boundaries
The first video discusses the journey from software engineer to CTO, offering valuable tips for career advancement.
The second video explores the lessons learned during the transition to a management position, emphasizing the challenges faced along the way.
Section 2.1: The Open Door Dilemma
As a C-level executive, the demand for your attention can be overwhelming. I often found myself eager to address issues brought to my attention, thinking it was my responsibility to resolve them. However, I once attended a meeting on short notice with no agenda—a clear warning sign. During this meeting, a problem was presented, and I readily offered solutions.
Afterward, I learned from a colleague that I was not the person accountable for that issue and that I shouldn't have been in the meeting at all. This served as a crucial lesson in understanding my role and responsibilities.
Section 2.2: Doing Your Job Effectively
As you begin to make an impact within your organization, your name may come up frequently. However, it’s important to resist the urge to address every issue immediately, especially if they are not directly linked to your work. If you've effectively communicated your vision and rationale, others will be prepared to discuss matters that may arise.
In essence, it’s perfectly acceptable to close the door and focus on your core responsibilities without feeling compelled to address every detail.
Conclusion: Reflections on My CTO Experience
Reflecting on my time as CTO, I recognize that I contributed significantly to the organization. However, I also believe that many tasks I undertook were not necessarily suited for a CTO. My identity aligns more with that of a problem solver, and I hope that sharing these key lessons will provide insight for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of this role.
Bonus: Embracing Freelancing
As you read this, I may be working with a client, but I welcome connections on LinkedIn or through my website. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections.