How Can a CTO Improve The Relationship With Their CEO

2. Align with the CEO’s Vision and Priorities

Understanding and aligning with your CEO’s vision is critical when you, the CTO, want to improve the relationship. Truly grasping the company’s long-term goals will help you ensure that your technology strategies support and enhance these objectives.

Understand the CEO’s Vision
It is important to deeply understand the CEO’s long-term vision and strategy for the company. The CTO’s job is to ensure that the technology strategy aligns with that vision, even when difficult decisions have to be made.

Recommendation: Spend time asking the CEO about their vision and key business priorities. Ensure your tech strategy supports those goals. This alignment is key for a CTO to improve the relationship with their CEO.

Agree and Commit, Even in Disagreement
Disagreement is natural and can (and will) happen. However, as the CTO, commit to support a decision or direction, even if you might have done it differently. Express concerns openly, but once the CEO makes a final call, align with that decision and move it forward.

Recommendation: Voice your concerns openly and privately, but once a direction is set, present a united front and commit to the shared goal. It is also important to note that in some rare cases, the decision or direction might deviate quite drastically from what you believe it should be. This could be a moment for you to ask yourself if this employer is still the right place for you. If the answer is ‘no,’ it would be a good time to move on. What you want to avoid, however, is staying in the company and becoming bitter and disagreeable.

Think Business First, Technology Second
CEOs want their CTOs to focus on business outcomes, not just technical excellence. The CTO should frame technology initiatives in terms of their impact on business objectives, such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.

Recommendation: Consistently strive to connect tech strategy back to business goals, and help your engineering teams do the same. In discussions with the CEO, be able to explain, “Why does this matter for the business?” Demonstrating this understanding helps the CTO improve their relationship with the CEO.

3. Be a Thought Partner, Not Just a Problem Solver

As a CTO, elevate your role from problem solver to strategic thought partner to improve the relationship with your CEO. Engage in broader business discussions and contribute ideas that move the company forward.

Contribute to Strategic Decisions
The CTO should aim to be a strategic partner to the CEO, not just the person who solves technical problems. This means actively engaging in business discussions and contributing ideas that help move the company forward.

Recommendation: To do this, you have to develop a curiosity and desire for business growth and success in the first place. Bring a business mindset to meetings, not just with the CEO, but in any other meeting. Proactively propose solutions, not just in tech but also in business processes, customer experience, or market strategy. I believe it is important not just for the CTO but for everyone in engineering to think from a business perspective. One exercise I like to do with people I work with is to ask them this question: “What would you do in this case if you were the owner of the company and the final decision maker?” Becoming a thought partner is a powerful way for a CTO to improve the relationship with their CEO.

Ask Questions to Understand the CEO’s Needs
A good relationship is built on mutual understanding. Keep in mind that most CEOs have tremendous responsibility on their shoulders, and they often feel the weight and pressure of the business in ways that other employees do not. The CTO should ask the CEO thoughtful questions to better understand their pain points, challenges, and needs. This empathy strengthens your partnership and reduces misunderstandings.

Example Questions:

• “What are your biggest concerns this quarter, and how can technology help address them?”
• “Where do you see opportunities for growth, and how can my team support these initiatives?”
• “What are your top priorities, and how can we align our efforts to achieve them?”

Asking these questions helps the CTO improve the relationship with the CEO by showing genuine interest and willingness to support.

4. Improve Communication by Simplifying Complexities

Effective communication is critical to improving the CTO/CEO relationship. Translating complex technical concepts into clear, business-focused language helps the CEO make informed decisions. Also, keep in mind that not all CEOs are equal—some are more technical than others, depending on their background. Sometimes the CEO is the founder and the original engineer of the product. In either case, understand their background.

Translate Tech into Business Terms
The CTO must simplify complex technical ideas and clearly explain their impact on the business. This helps the CEO make informed decisions.

Recommendation: When talking with the CEO, speak their language according to their level of technical understanding. Use analogies and simple explanations to convey the value of technology projects. Focus on outcomes, not processes. Clear communication is important for a CTO to improve their relationship with the CEO.

Get to the Point Quickly
CEOs are often short on time. Deliver concise, relevant information to the CEO. Cut out unnecessary details and focus on what matters. Let them ask questions and dive deeper into areas where they need additional information.

Recommendation: When briefing the CEO, start with the most important point first, then provide additional details if needed. For example, “We need to upgrade our infrastructure because it will reduce downtime by 20%, saving us $100k annually.” Here is another example: “Implementing this new software will increase our team’s productivity by 30%, directly impacting our bottom line.” Adopt the “BLUF” (Bottom Line Up Front) framework. Present your main point or conclusion at the beginning of your communication, followed by supporting details only if necessary. 

5. Show Empathy and Support the CEO’s Role

When a CTO understands the pressures their CEO faces, this can significantly improve the relationship. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can better anticipate their needs and concerns, reducing tension.

Understand the CEO’s Perspective
Take time to understand the pressures and responsibilities that the CEO faces daily. By understanding the CEO’s position, the CTO can better anticipate their needs and concerns.

Recommendation: Step into the CEO’s shoes. What are the pressures they face, and how can you support them in making tough decisions? Showing empathy is an important step for a CTO to improve their relationship with the CEO.

Help the CEO Make Informed Decisions
Empower the CEO with the right information, framed in a way they can act on. The CTO should give the CEO the context needed to make informed decisions but also be clear on what decision is required and by when.

Recommendation: When presenting options to the CEO, provide well-thought-out options with clear pros and cons. Do not hesitate to give your professional opinion on the best course of action. For example, “Here are the pros and cons of each option, but my recommendation is that we go with option A because it offers the fastest time to market.” This proactive approach helps the CTO improve their relationship with the CEO.

6. Be a Coach to Your CEO

Adopting a coaching mindset can further improve the CTO/CEO relationship. This might sound a bit strange, but all of us can use some coaching, including the CEO who is often extremely busy. Providing a different point of view or your perspective as the CTO could be beneficial.

Coach Up
The CTO should see their role as helping the CEO be successful, just as the CEO supports the CTO. This might mean offering candid feedback when the CEO needs it.

Recommendation: If you see something that is not quite working, be brave enough to tell your CEO. But always do so with the goal of improving the relationship and the business. Coaching up is an effective way for a CTO to improve their relationship with their CEO.

Support the CEO’s Leadership
Show that you are committed to helping the CEO lead the organization, even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether it is in aligning teams or moving strategic initiatives, be proactive in supporting the CEO’s leadership goals.

Recommendation: If you notice areas for improvement, approach the CEO respectfully with your insights. Focus on mutual goals and the betterment of the company. By actively supporting the CEO’s vision and initiatives, you demonstrate your commitment to the organization’s success. This proactive involvement strengthens your partnership and helps you, as the CTO, to improve your relationship with the CEO.

7. Love and Compassion in Leadership

Demonstrating love and compassion in leadership can significantly improve the CTO/CEO relationship. Bill Campbell, known as the “Trillion Dollar Coach” was a mentor to many Silicon Valley executives and believed that bringing love into the workplace enhances team dynamics and overall performance. He was a coach of teams and a lover of people, advocating for compassionate leadership that leads to higher employee satisfaction, better teamwork, lower absenteeism, and improved team performance.

Genuine Care for Your CEO
Bill had a way of communicating that made people feel valued and respected. His genuine care allowed him to offer candid feedback without causing offense because it was clear that his intentions were rooted in their best interests. As a CTO, showing authentic compassion towards your CEO can break down barriers and build a deeper connection. It is acceptable to care deeply about the people you work with; when you break down the walls between professional and human personas, the whole team becomes stronger.

Recommendation: Make an effort to understand your CEO not just as a leader but as a person. Learn about their interests outside of work, understand their challenges, and offer support when needed. Simple gestures like acknowledging their hard work and caring about their well-being can make a significant difference. Demonstrating compassion helps the CTO improve their relationship with the CEO.

Show Up When It Matters
Bill Campbell believed that truly caring for people means being there for them in times of need. Whether a colleague is facing personal challenges or professional hurdles, showing up and offering support demonstrates genuine compassion. He treated everyone with respect, learned their names, and gave them warm greetings, emphasizing that what really matters at the end of the day is how we live our lives and the people in them.

Recommendation: If your CEO is dealing with a difficult situation, be there to offer assistance. This could mean stepping up to handle additional responsibilities or simply offering a listening ear. By showing that you care about them beyond work-related matters, you strengthen your relationship. This personal support is a meaningful way for a CTO to improve the relationship with their CEO.

Additional Recommendations for Improving the CTO/CEO Relationship

• Over-communicate During Critical Moments: Keeping the CEO informed during pivotal times prevents surprises and builds trust. Regular updates, even if brief, can alleviate anxiety and ensure alignment. 
• Celebrate Wins Together: Acknowledging successes enhances your connection and promotes a positive working environment. Joint celebrations reinforce the idea that you are working towards common goals, helping the CTO improve the relationship.
• Welcome Feedback: Being open to input, even when it is challenging, shows your dedication to personal growth and the company’s objectives. Encourage the CEO to share their thoughts and be receptive to their suggestions.
• Invest in Relationship Building: Take time to engage with your CEO outside of formal settings. Casual conversations or shared activities can strengthen your bond and improve communication.
• Promote a Shared Vision: Work together to define and promote a unified vision for the company. This shared purpose can reduce misunderstandings and align your efforts more closely.
• Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in what the CEO has to say. Active listening fosters respect and ensures that you fully understand their perspective before responding.

Conclusion

Improving the CTO/CEO relationship involves building a genuine partnership grounded in trust, alignment, empathy, and a shared vision. As a CTO, you have the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technology and business, becoming an invaluable ally to your CEO. By implementing these seven strategies—building trust through transparency and consistency, aligning with the CEO’s vision and priorities, becoming a thought partner, simplifying complex ideas, showing empathy, adopting a coaching mindset, and acting with love and compassion in leadership—you can transform your relationship with your CEO.

Be the kind of CTO who takes the initiative to improve the relationship with their CEO. It requires effort, patience, and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone, but the rewards are significant. A strong partnership with your CEO can lead to better decision-making, increased innovation, and ultimately, the achievement of your shared business objectives. By focusing on these strategies, you can not only enhance your professional relationship but also contribute to a more positive and productive organizational culture.

FAQ

Q: How often should I meet with my CEO to improve our relationship?

A: Regular communication is essential. Scheduling weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings helps ensure alignment and builds trust over time. 

Q: How can I better align my technology initiatives with the CEO’s business goals?

A: Spend time understanding the CEO’s vision and the company’s long-term objectives. Make sure your technology roadmap supports these goals, and communicate how your initiatives contribute to business success.

Q: What is the best way to communicate complex technical concepts to my CEO?

A: Simplify the information by using clear, non-technical language. Focus on the business impact and benefits, using analogies or examples that are easy to understand. 

Q: How can I offer feedback to my CEO without causing tension?

A: Approach the conversation with empathy and respect. Frame your feedback around mutual goals and the betterment of the company, ensuring it is constructive and solution-oriented. 

Q: What should I do if I disagree with a decision made by my CEO?

A: Express your concerns privately and professionally. Once the decision is final, commit to supporting it fully to present a united front and maintain trust.