How people-first CTOs define success beyond metrics

When it comes to technology star-tups and SMEs, success is often associated with metrics. From user engagement rates to revenue growth charts, key performance indicators (KPIs) dominate discussions around achievement. Yet, among the jumble of numbers and graphs, lies a crucial aspect that’s often overlooked – the human element.

People-first, always

CTO consultants are often brought in because founders don't know what their tech teams are doing, don't see the value they're bringing and don't know what they're missing. We’ve written about the challenges you might face managing tech teams before. As CTO consultants who have worked in technology and leadership for over 20 years, we’ve come to realise that true success transcends numbers. It lives in the people who power your organisation and drive innovation. It’s your employees that ultimately shape your destiny.

For a people-first CTO, success isn’t just about hitting revenue targets or achieving exponential growth. It's about creating a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning within the business. It's about developing an environment where team members feel motivated, valued, and inspired to bring their best selves to work every day.

Defining achievement

So, how does a people-first CTO define achievement? It starts with investing in the growth and development of your team. At Scryla, when we start working with clients, we prioritise creating short term and long-term roadmaps - so everyone can see where they're heading. We always align it to business goals and objectives otherwise what’s the point of doing it if there’s nothing to measure success? Instead of solely focusing on technical skills, we prioritise nurturing critical skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership. We want to empower your team members to take ownership of their projects and encourage them to share ideas openly. We also look for professional development opportunities.

Furthermore, success is measured by the impact your organisation has on the lives of its employees, customers, and the community at large. Are you creating products and services that genuinely address the needs and pain points of your target audience? Are you considering diversity and inclusion within your teams to harness the power of varied perspectives and experiences? Are you actively contributing to initiatives that drive positive social change?

Filling in the gaps

One of our primary responsibilities is to bridge the knowledge gap that may exist within Senior Leadership Teams (SLT) and Boards. In fast-paced tech startups and SMEs, the SLT and Board members may not always have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate technical aspects of the business. This gap can have a negative effect on decision-making and strategic planning. By closing the gap, you’re also in a better position to have meaningful and productive conversations with your development teams.

To address this, we proactively educate and inform the SLT and Board about key technological trends, developments, and implications for the business. We facilitate workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives tailored to the specific needs and expertise levels of leadership teams. By demystifying complex technical concepts and providing real-world examples, we empower you to make informed decisions that align with your goals and objectives.

We’ll often act as advisors, offering insights and recommendations on how emerging technologies can be used to drive innovation, enhance operations, and gain a competitive edge. Continuous learning ensures you’re equipped with the necessary expertise to scale your business.

Creating people-first structures and processes

In addition to addressing knowledge gaps, we also look at creating people-first structures and processes that focus on building a positive work culture enabling employees to thrive. We recognise that the success of any business is fundamentally rooted in its people – their skills, passion, and dedication drive innovation and fuel growth.

We’ll work with relevant stakeholders to design and implement policies, programs, and initiatives that prioritise the well-being, growth, and development of employees. This includes initiatives such as mentorship programs, skills development workshops, flexible work arrangements, and performance feedback mechanisms.

We also advise on the right policies and processes that tech startups need as part of their development strategy. These processes help teams to focus, add structure to their roles and protect your business at the same time

As people-first CTOs, we believe success is about building meaningful relationships – both within your organisation and with external stakeholders. Cultivate a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect among team members. Open up lines of communication and actively seek feedback from your peers, employees, and customers. Build strong partnerships with clients, suppliers, and industry leaders based on shared values and a commitment to mutual success.

Success is about resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Encourage your team to experiment, iterate, and embrace continuous improvement. Celebrate successes, big and small, and acknowledge the collective effort that goes into achieving them.

Measuring success beyond metrics requires a shift in mindset – one that prioritises people over profits, relationships over numbers, and impact over output. As founders and directors of tech startups and SMEs, embracing a people-first approach to success not only creates a more positive and fulfilling work environment but also drives long-term growth and sustainability. So, the next time you evaluate your achievements, remember to look beyond the graphs and charts – because true success lies in the hearts and minds of the people who make it possible.