Etienne, your article really hits home about the struggles CTOs face. It's a great reminder that just being technically correct isn't enough in the C-suite. The key is to turn technical details into strategies that make sense to everyone, especially non-tech executives. I appreciate your advice on focusing on executive presence and building stronger connections with the team. It's all about moving from just being right to being effective and understood. Thanks for sharing these insights!
• "Being correct isn't getting you anywhere, so what now?"
• "While 75% of employers listed communication as a crucial skill for their CTO applicants, less than 25% of CTO resume's listed communication as a skill"
• "Their value to the C-Suite is directly related to their ability to bring their concerns to life in the minds of those around them"
• "You will care more deeply about your C-Suite's understanding and connection to your concerns"
• "Just adopt the 'get one thing done for my team today' mindset and you’ll see the magic start to happen"
It almost sounds like it requires a touch of sorcery.
Amazing article ET! This really resonated with me, I've seen this scenario all the time like you stated. The best C-Suite leaders are incredibly good communicators, it is THE core skill. We should be able to explain our thinking at 5th grade level as CTO's - if we can't, nobody is going to remember anything. You only remember what you understand.
Thank you Kimeshan! I love how you said it’s THE core skill. Makes me think about how someone in the C-Suite could be really bad at their job but still have people think they’re awesome because of how good they communicate. That’s just how CORE the skill is.
This article represents me. I am convinced that communication is key for positions at that level and that usually in tech it is one of the skills that we neglect the most.
Etienne, your article really hits home about the struggles CTOs face. It's a great reminder that just being technically correct isn't enough in the C-suite. The key is to turn technical details into strategies that make sense to everyone, especially non-tech executives. I appreciate your advice on focusing on executive presence and building stronger connections with the team. It's all about moving from just being right to being effective and understood. Thanks for sharing these insights!
Great post! In particular:
• "Being correct isn't getting you anywhere, so what now?"
• "While 75% of employers listed communication as a crucial skill for their CTO applicants, less than 25% of CTO resume's listed communication as a skill"
• "Their value to the C-Suite is directly related to their ability to bring their concerns to life in the minds of those around them"
• "You will care more deeply about your C-Suite's understanding and connection to your concerns"
• "Just adopt the 'get one thing done for my team today' mindset and you’ll see the magic start to happen"
It almost sounds like it requires a touch of sorcery.
Thank you Seth!
Amazing article ET! This really resonated with me, I've seen this scenario all the time like you stated. The best C-Suite leaders are incredibly good communicators, it is THE core skill. We should be able to explain our thinking at 5th grade level as CTO's - if we can't, nobody is going to remember anything. You only remember what you understand.
Thank you Kimeshan! I love how you said it’s THE core skill. Makes me think about how someone in the C-Suite could be really bad at their job but still have people think they’re awesome because of how good they communicate. That’s just how CORE the skill is.
This article represents me. I am convinced that communication is key for positions at that level and that usually in tech it is one of the skills that we neglect the most.
So true Alberto.