Earning the title of chief technology officer is a dream come true for many tech professionals. Overseeing the innovation and development of products is certainly exciting, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a coveted position.

But as with any executive position, reaching the C-suite doesn’t mean you’ve mastered every core skill of the job — far from it. Being an effective leader means continually growing, learning and evolving so you and your team can stay ahead of the curve.

We asked 13 members of Forbes Technology Council about the skills even the best CTOs should continue to hone. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Constant Education 

The main requirement of a CTO is the communication of new technology to every department with a company. Technology changes daily, and constant learning is a must for CTOs and company success. My role as CTO for Taylor CC requires knowledge of the latest in energy solutions and the ability to spread that knowledge across the company. Make learning all that’s new in your tech sector part of your daily routine. – Scott Stiner, UM Technologies

2. Diplomacy And Patience 

Be open to the fact that others may know more than you do or may offer a significant alternative and helpful perspective. When engaging in discussion about technology, do not rush to put your view forward. Practice tact when engaging with those who have opposing opinions. Understand where others are coming from and never take an “I’m right, you’re wrong” attitude. It’s a great way to learn. – Paul Heller, Sopheon

3. Effective Hiring 

You don’t get the opportunity to be very hands on when you are a CTO. You have to hire talented people you trust and like working with to get the company’s goals accomplished. – Arnie Gordon, Arlyn Scales

4. People Skills 

As a leader, you need to inspire others to get behind your vision so they can execute on your projects. Having a pool of the greatest technical talent on the planet would be ineffective if the leadership is toxic. A CTO who shares a love for learning, empathy and a desire to see his or her team members grow professionally will be successful in many ways. – Tim Maliyil, AlertBoot

5. Strategic Thinking 

Great CTOs have the ability to focus on the larger picture because they need to think strategically. The developers, UX designers and project managers should be focusing on the product details, and it’s the CTO’s responsibility to lead the team in the right direction with a common goal in mind. They need to focus on the future and anticipate the next step, always staying ahead of emerging trends. – Sanjay Malhotra, Clearbridge Mobile