Some learning and notes as I complete a very satisfactory engagement which I was fortunate to lead. Somewhat generic in hope that it’s useful for anyone who can relate as a leader or working in a team environment. I am sure there are other important points from everyone’s experiences which I would love to hear.
1. He Tangata he tangata he tangata – it’s all about the people, the people, the people – without good folks, one would be left with buildings and furniture. If you are blessed with a good team you will be surprised with what you can achieve. If you are in a hiring position hire those who are smarter than yourself – if not, contribute towards building a learning and collaborative culture , one will be surprised with what can be achieved with that.
2. Focus on culture first. Everything else like strategy, processes, guidelines, etc. are important but team culture is the most important. Values of Manakitanga –respect for everyone, Kotahitanga – Partnership and Collaboration, Whanaungatanga – working as a community is important.
3. Role of a leader – a leader is not someone on the top of the pyramid, they are at the bottom with broad shoulders to support the overall team. It is advantageous to have some level of expertise in few fields to become a contributing team member who can get their hands dirty. Also its important for leaders to nudge others take leadership in their fields of expertise and beyond and be delighted with their success. If you are able to, contribute to the success of others, especially those who are new to the industry.
4. Have an overarching goal, write it down, debate with stakeholders if that is the right thing and if so use it as a mode of communication in all aspects. If you are building something that would make it say seamless for customers, try that internally and see if it is. Perhaps eat your own cake because no one eats and enjoys their own dog food.
5. Talk about Why – why are we doing this? A common dilemma in any project, capability, product or services build is to understand the meaning, motivation or the big picture behind it. I have kept this in the middle of my learnings as it hinges everything else. Although we say we need to be customer focused, it’s not easy to understand who the actual customers are and how does they relate to our work. Once you know the why, be relentless and sometimes if needed repetitive on this topic.
6. Team led. Provide the team with vision and tools to do their job. Be clear on the outcome and boundaries , flexible on how the tasks are done and take responsibility (Tight- Loose-Tight approach)
7. Build a coalition of the willing- If you are building a new capability, product or services or a project, perhaps the value is not always seen immediately. Build a broad range of willing supporters, be positive and have gratitude. Also persevere with the not-so-willing as it’s also important to listen to critics.
8. Mastery- Learn from others and improve your expertise in an iterative way with a goal to achieve mastery in that field. Does not matter what role you play, always try to give your best. If nothing comes out of it, atleast you have learned something that is valuable.
9. Adapt and learn – We are not always right, not always right the first time and not always wrong. We are humans, but we can make small iterative changes which achieves big things.
Finally,
10. Belief - Sometimes it’s more important to have a good driver than a good car. So don’t worry too much on what technology or environment or organization you work in. However, that is not always easy without an enabling culture which can be equated to safer roads (not necessary expecting a straight road, which would be boring I guess).
