The first step for any newly hired CTO is a formal introduction to the team. This introduction ideally comes from the previous or interim head of the department if he is available and has good reputation within the department. Alternatively you should ask another C-Level to make the introduction. Depending on the organization, this could be the CTO or COO. Having a recognized leader facilitate the introduction gives you credibility and signals the organization’s confidence in your leadership.
During this introduction, maintain genuine enthusiasm, and share a concise overview of your background.
Emphasize how excited you are to build on the team’s existing efforts, rather than coming in to “fix” anything. Be humble — recognize the team’s achievements, and let them know that you’re here to support and enable (even more) success.
A friendly demeanor, good eye contact, and an approachable tone help forge an initial bond that sets the stage for productive relationships. But don't make this purely a you-thing. Make sure to communicate your interest in their work and their achievements. This shows that you value their work and that you’re here to learn from them as well.
Here is a checklist for your first interactions with the team:
Make sure to find something positive for each team. This shows that you’ve done your homework, that you're deeply interested and that you value their work.
Review current project statuses and upcoming deadlines. Understand any challenges or open issues the team is facing.
Introduce yourself with a concise background and relevant experience. Communicate why you’re excited to work with this team and what you hope to achieve together.
Acknowledge the efforts of the previous leader or interim manager if applicable.
Keep your language encouraging and forward-looking. Emphasize collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect.
Be ready to answer questions about your background, your leadership style, and your vision for the team.
Announce your intention to schedule one-on-one meetings with each team member to learn more about their roles, challenges, and aspirations. It's usually a bad idea to skip this step. 1:1 meetings are very important for building trust and understanding the team.