What it is: Two reports from McKinsey. A sort of checklist for CTOs of questions they should ask themselves

Why it is important: How CTOs can stop themselves from becoming overwhelmed, ineffective or tokenised.

The report by McKinsey looks at the capabilities of the CTO as well as some things which may undermine their role. A CTO should above all remain evidence-based. This stops them from taking sides. It is also important that a CTO should have wide-ranging skills across a number of areas. The best CTOs also are able to ignite passion and leverage efforts, and also have the means of rewarding outperformance.

On the other hand, poor governance can undermine the role. For example, if they are treated as just another member of the corporate staff and have no power to call upon leaders (including the CEO) to attend meetings for example, then they will be unlikely to make a difference. Similarly, if employees fail to see the urgent need to change, then their role will be an uphill struggle.

An updated version of the report notes that “companies today have no one on the executive team who owns the responsibility for navigating these shifts”. Along with this role of monitoring the external environment for significant and relevant new technologies, the CTO must be able to ensure their effective deployment within the organization.

The role of the Chief Transformation Officer

Why you need a CTO and how to make her successful