When a technology function stalls, the reflex is often to look for technical failure—missed deadlines, failed deliveries, flawed platforms. But in many cases, the real issue isn’t the tech. It’s the team.
And more specifically, it’s how that team is wired.
We recently worked with a company undergoing technology due diligence. On paper, the business was solid—around 100 people, strong growth, and a healthy customer base. But underneath, there was visible tension between the CEO and CTO.
At first glance, it looked like a personality clash.
It wasn’t.
The Real Problem: Tech Teams Strengths Out of Sync
Using Kolbe assessments—tools that measure instinctive strengths and how people take action—we uncovered something more nuanced. The CTO wasn’t underperforming due to a lack of talent or motivation. He was exceptionally strong in creativity, risk-taking, and building things from scratch. He had been instrumental in the company’s early success.
The problem? The company had moved from start-up to scale-up.
The CEO needed systems, structure, and predictable execution. The CTO’s strength was in starting fires, not running factories.
This wasn’t a failing—it was a mismatch. And no amount of OKRs or stand-ups was going to fix it.
The Solution: Realignment, Not Reprimand
Once we surfaced this insight through Kolbe analysis and informal coaching, the answer became clear to both sides. The CTO decided to move on—graciously and on his own terms. The company hired a new CTO with experience in scaling, systems, and alignment with the CEO’s direction.
Technology delivery improved. Tension disappeared. Growth accelerated.
All because we focused on the people first—not just the platform.
Why This Matters to Investors and Founders
For investors, tech team friction can look like execution risk. But often, it’s alignment risk—solvable through diagnostics and coaching, not just code rewrites.
For founders, these dynamics are personal. They’re about identity, legacy, and emotional attachment to the business. But handled right, transitions like this can be win-win.
A ten-minute online assessment can highlight where instincts and working styles are mismatched. It won’t replace a full diligence process—but it can unblock what’s really going wrong, fast.
Want to See How It Works?
We offer a free Kolbe assessment for you and a team member.
No obligation. No pitch. Just insight.
We’ll send you:
- A personalised report
- A snapshot of how you complement—or conflict—with each other
- A free copy of People First, our guide to building stronger tech teams
What Conflicts Have You Faced?
Every team has tension. The question is: Where’s it coming from—and can it be fixed without blowing everything up?
We’d love to hear from you:
- What team conflicts have slowed down your tech function?
- How were they resolved (or not)?
- Would you like to try a quick, no-pressure Kolbe test in your team?
Let’s have that conversation.
(For further information, take a read of my book: People First.
