The Mental Model That Separates Average CTOs from Elite Ones

Hey there,

If you want to make your mark as a fractional CTO, you need to master the art of "thinking in principles."

I talk about this concept a lot because it’s that important. 

Put simply, this is the ability to distill complex problems down to their core truths and then reason up from there. It's about understanding the fundamental laws that govern your world and using them as a compass to navigate any challenge.

I’m passionate about finding the hidden variables that actually have influence. Whenever I'm brought in to help an entrepreneur and their business, my first step is always to listen and learn. I resist the urge to jump straight to solutions, no matter how obvious they may seem.

By taking the time to deeply understand the people, the processes, and the underlying assumptions at play, I'm able to craft solutions that address the real issues, not just the symptoms.

Thinking in principles is about zooming out to see the forest, not just the trees. It's about identifying patterns and connections that others miss. And most importantly, it's about using those insights to make better decisions, faster.

Here's how you can expand on your own "principles-first" mindset:

1. Reflect on your core values and beliefs. What fundamental truths guide your work?

2. Look for common threads across your successes and failures. What principles were at play?

3. Pressure-test your principles. Do they hold up in a variety of scenarios?

4. Communicate your principles clearly and often. Make them the foundation of your fractional CTO brand.

Mastering this mental model won't happen overnight. But with practice and intentionality, you can train your brain to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I'm always eager to learn from this community's experiences.

Happy principle-hunting,
Lior

Lior Weinstein
Founder & Head Coach, CTOx

P.S. In our CTOx Accelerator, we don't just teach you what to think - we teach you how to think. Our curriculum is designed to instill the mental models and frameworks that elite CTOs rely on to lead with confidence. If you're ready to take your strategic thinking to the next level, I invite you to learn more. Just hit reply and let's chat.