4 Rules for CTO Chit Chats
CTO Chit Chats, named whimsically to describe the fun yet beneficial meetings that I host biweekly, follow 4 simple rules:
- Nobody has to attend, but we might discuss serious topics
- Treats for everyone
- End 10 minutes to the hour
- Tell everyone what’s on the CTO’s mind

[OPTIONAL] Meeting
Every two weeks, I host a special meeting. I invite everyone in my organization to an “optional” roundtable discussion. As many as 40 people, sit in concentric circles at 4 PM ET. We take time to discuss whatever people want to discuss. A recent data warehousing breakthrough provided ample technical conversation one week. Hiccups while moving work across teams gave us process-related debate fodder.
Those serious topics all get documented by a diligent scribe named Pati Biel. She sends the notes to all invitees. This recently won Pati a shout out from a thankful team member.
Treats Keep Them Talking
Treats vary from cookies, to cupcakes, to smoothies. They provide the little nudge some need to go from “I might just skip it…” to “Yeah, I’ll go for a Twinkie.” Given the late afternoon timing, a sugar bump seemed smart.
End Early, On Time
I keep the conversation moving, and we always end on time — at 10 minutes to the hour (4:50 PM). I push people to adopt techniques to optimize our most precious resource, time. See helpful advice like MindTools summary and Forbes more formal treatment. Consider this my little nudge to be a good role model!
End your Chit Chats 10 minutes early.
Hey CTO, What’s on Your Mind?
A couple weeks ago, a quiet session led one person to enlighten me. “What we really want to hear is what’s on your mind, PJ!”. I missed the most obvious question. So now, I start with a quick download on those topics plaguing my thoughts.
During my tenure at ThoughtWorks, Roy Singham ran regular get togethers with employees. I loved Roy’s candid chatter about everything going on at the company. Richard Harris, CEO at Intent Media, hosts monthly Fireside Chats. Employees write anonymous questions on paper. They slip them into a glass bowl. Richard then answers the questions.
Following in Roy’s and Richard’s footsteps, I sit open to ad hoc questions. It took some cajoling before I learned to keep my answers concise. I find it easy to share my concerns, but I am also palaverous.
So, keep it short, and to the point, PJ! The end.
