Thinking of hiring a new CTO for your school, company, or organization? If so, you should make sure they possess the following traits.

Information Technology (IT) Expert

Every department relies on IT for something, be it phones, emails, computers, newsletters, content management systems, and a never-ending list of services. The reach with existing tech is unlimited, and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) make it possible to satisfy all these needs by guiding and leading toward solutions that reach all users with the best possible means.

CTOs function as the backbone of the institution taking care of the things that make it possible for all to do a little better every time.

Business-minded

The ever-changing nature of IT means that CTOs must be aware of the latest developments and trends. They need to know what is new in IT and how it impacts the industry in which they work or how it helps other professions.

The industry demands that they be aware of the benefits that industries are reaping from tech.

Strategist and visionary

When the CTO heads up a forward-looking organization that needs or expects a lot from tech, the style of the CTO is more of a strategic partner or vision creator. They can provide a vision for a better future and formulate ideas that become clear to those who can provide direction, funding, and permission to execute the vision for the benefit of the organization because they have an intimate knowledge of the industry.

Change agent

CTOs are senior-level executives and are entrepreneurial; they possess the capacity to change, improvise, and innovate strategies to take things to the next level. They make others in the institution aware of the need for change and lay the groundwork for implementation that leads to efficient results.

Good leader

They are the leaders who strive to do better; authenticity, trustworthiness, and integrity are just some of the traits that an effective CTO possesses. Still, great leaders are those who are also able to inspire and build people. CTOs spend a lot of time and energy managing relationships with internal peers, external suppliers, and customers. They purposely invest in relationships that form the foundation for driving extraordinary results.

Concluding thoughts

The bottom line, a successful education CTO is a big contributor to the development and management of business strategies and directions within the institution in the digital age.