The Big Idea

Assemble a group of industry professionals that serves on your personal council in service of the role of CTO.

This is not the same as a 7CTOs peer group which is comprised of members from outside your industry most likely.

Assembling a council or advisory board that serves a CTO in their role requires careful planning and selection of individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives. The following steps can help guide the process:

Define the purpose and objectives: Clearly articulate the goals of the advisory board or council. Consider the key challenges and opportunities facing the organization, and outline how this group can help address them.

Identify desired expertise: Determine the specific skills, experience, and knowledge the council or advisory board should possess. These may include technical expertise, industry knowledge, strategic thinking, leadership, or experience in specific areas such as cybersecurity, AI, or data analytics.

Develop a list of potential candidates: Based on the desired expertise, create a list of potential candidates from a variety of sources, such as industry experts, academics, consultants, or technology leaders from other organizations.

Assess cultural fit and diversity: When evaluating potential candidates, consider their alignment with your organization's culture and values, as well as their ability to bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds to the table.

Conduct outreach: Approach potential candidates to gauge their interest in joining the council or advisory board. Clearly communicate the purpose, objectives, and expectations of the group, as well as the time commitment and any compensation or benefits offered.

Formalize the structure: Once the council or advisory board members have been selected, establish a formal structure for meetings, communications, and decision-making. This might include developing a charter, setting a meeting schedule, and defining roles and responsibilities.

Engage and involve: Foster open communication and active participation among council or advisory board members. Encourage them to contribute their expertise, challenge assumptions, and offer insights and recommendations.

Evaluate and adjust: Periodically assess the effectiveness of the council or advisory board in achieving its objectives. Be open to making adjustments, such as changing the group's focus, adding or removing members, or modifying the meeting format.

By following these steps, a CTO can assemble a council or advisory board that will provide valuable guidance, support, and insights in their role as a technology leader.

You know you’re struggling when

TBD

Ideal State

TBD

Closing the Gap

TBD

Where to get help