The role of a capable technical director is vital during the early stages of a project. They need to identify and fix minor issues before they grow into major problems that could derail the whole project. Unfortunately, some technical directors make mistakes that can negatively affect the project’s outcome. In this article, we’ll look at five common mistakes CTOs make when leading teams in the early stages of a project and offer practical solutions to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Misunderstanding Business Objectives
One of the most common mistakes CTOs make is not fully understanding the business objectives. Some CTOs focus only on the technical aspects of the project and leave the business side to product managers. This separation can lead to developing something that strays too far from the original purpose of the project, causing serious issues down the line.

Solution:
To avoid this, CTOs should actively engage with business tasks and collaborate with product managers during the early stages of development. By creating a clear strategy, planning ahead, and managing the recruitment and development of the team, CTOs can ensure that the technical and business goals align. Getting involved early helps make product managers’ ideas more realistic and easier to execute.

Mistake #2: Building a Team Based on Comfort
When assembling a team, CTOs should prioritize skills and experience that align with the project’s goals, rather than hiring based on personal comfort levels. Hiring team members just to fill positions or choosing inexperienced candidates can put the project at risk.

Solution:
CTOs need a clear vision of the team needed for the project and the specific skills required. This can be achieved by creating a hiring strategy tied to the overall technology plan, which is rooted in the business goals. CTOs should also work closely with HR to identify potential candidates and be involved in the hiring process. Evaluating employees during their probation period and gathering feedback from team members can help ensure that new hires fit well with the team.

Mistake #3: Having Work Processes Tied to the CTO
Sometimes, CTOs become bottlenecks by taking on too many responsibilities themselves, slowing down progress and making the project dependent on their presence. This often happens when a CTO mistrusts employees or tries to secure their position within the company.

Solution:
To solve this, CTOs need to delegate tasks to the right people and trust their team. Delegating responsibilities not only helps the project move forward but also builds trust among the team. By spreading the workload, the project will keep progressing even if the CTO is unavailable.

Mistake #4: Over-Focusing on Technology
Another mistake CTOs often make is placing too much emphasis on technology, especially in the early stages of a project. While technology is important, CTOs shouldn’t overlook other critical aspects of the project, such as design and user experience.

Solution:
CTOs should strike a balance between technology and the business objectives. They must also consider the project’s budget and evaluate whether investing in certain technologies makes sense. User experience and design should be prioritized just as much as technological innovation to ensure the success of the project.

Mistake #5: Lack of a Technological Strategy
One of the biggest mistakes a technical director can make is not creating a clear technological strategy. A well-thought-out vision for the project’s growth is essential, and without it, progress can become disorganized, leaving the team playing catch-up as changes are needed.

Solution:
To avoid this, CTOs should develop a simple yet clear technological strategy. This doesn’t need to be overly complicated but should outline the technical direction in consultation with the business side. Early discussions with the product owner will help understand the project’s requirements and ensure the technology strategy aligns with business needs.

Mistake #6: Refusing or Being Unable to Work “Hands-On”
This can be particularly problematic in smaller project teams. Sometimes, CTOs focus too much on high-level tasks and manage projects rather than using their technical expertise to directly contribute to the work.

Solution:
CTOs must recognize when they need to be more “hands-on.” If they’re unwilling or unable to get involved in the practical aspects of the project, it may be time for a change in leadership. Just as an athlete cannot win a race by only studying the sport, a CTO can’t lead a technical project effectively without practical skills and direct involvement.

Final Thoughts
It’s essential to spot and fix errors in the technical department early in the project lifecycle to prevent them from becoming major issues. A good technical director will maintain open communication with business leaders, carefully select the right team members, trust their team to handle tasks independently, and delegate responsibilities. If necessary, they should be willing to take a hands-on approach. Developing a solid technological strategy for the project is a key responsibility, and understanding both the business needs and the team’s capabilities can help prevent mistakes throughout the project’s stages.