This statement, often heard in the tech industry, sparks a passionate debate. On one side, some believe that the CTO should step away from coding to focus on strategy and management. On the other, many defend the idea that staying “hands-on” offers numerous advantages.
So, where does the truth lie? Is it a utopia, a repositioning of the role, or simply a matter of scale?
The Advantages of Staying “Hands-On”
Deep Understanding of the Team’s Needs
By remaining involved in coding, the CTO is better equipped to understand the technical challenges faced by the team. This deep understanding facilitates communication, strengthens trust, and allows for more informed decision-making.
Sharp Knowledge of the Technical Stack
Regular coding enables the CTO to keep their knowledge of the company’s technological stack up to date. They become more aware of pain points, necessary trade-offs, and opportunities for improvement.
Leadership by Example
A CTO who rolls up their sleeves inspires their team. They demonstrate commitment and passion for technology, which can be extremely motivating for developers.
Better Talent Selection
Being up to date with the latest technologies and development practices positions the CTO better to identify talent during the recruitment process. They know precisely which skills are needed to advance the team.
Adoption of New Tools
Technology evolves rapidly. A “hands-on” CTO is more likely to discover and experiment with new tools or frameworks, which can provide a competitive advantage to the company.
The Challenges of the CTO Role
Of course, the role of a CTO isn’t limited to coding. It also involves skills in management, strategy, and communication with other departments in the company. Stepping back is essential to define the long-term technological vision and align technical objectives with business goals.
Finding the Balance
It’s not about choosing between coding and managing but finding the right balance based on the company’s needs. In a startup or small business, the CTO will probably need to be more involved in development. As the company grows, they may need to delegate more to focus on strategy.
Adapting Their Involvement
A good CTO knows how to be flexible. They will step into the code when necessary but won’t hesitate to take a step back to handle broader challenges. The important thing is to stay connected to technical realities while assuming managerial responsibilities.
A Matter of Scale and Business Needs
It’s undeniable that a CTO leading a massive technical team will have less time to code. However, this doesn’t mean they should completely abandon this activity. Even with a large team, maintaining a link with coding can be beneficial.
Maintaining a Small Team
It’s possible to take a company far with a small technical team. This allows for maintaining agility and cohesion that’s hard to achieve in large structures. In this context, the CTO has every reason to stay close to development.
In Conclusion
It’s crucial to separate personal desires, career plans, and business needs when discussing the CTO’s role.
A good CTO will be “hands-on” if the need arises, without neglecting the necessary perspective required by their role. The key is to adapt their involvement according to circumstances while continuing to evolve professionally.
So, the debate isn’t about whether a CTO should stop coding but rather how they can balance their responsibilities to bring the maximum value to their team and the company. After all, effective leadership often lies in the ability to navigate between strategic vision and understanding of technical details.
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