[Re-Publish] The Triforce of Corporate Dynamics

Note from Yann: ?? Hey readers! I’m Yann, every week, I'll share my practical insights from my management playbook.

Today marks the 10th edition, as I am on Vacation, I'm republishing an article that received high engagement.

Originally Published on May 9th, 2024.

?? Subscribe to stay updated on future releases.

In any organization, the only constant is change.

Navigating through the maze of office politics, the quest for peak productivity, the puzzle of decision making, and the drive for leadership excellence can make any manager's head spin.

Confusion and disengagement? Been there, faced that! ??

?? But here’s a secret: Understanding and harnessing the three forces—role, expertise, and relationship—you can turn those daunting challenges into stepping stones to success.

?? Role Force: Your Title

This is the Golden Force, it comes with the shiny title on your name card.

It's like your managerial toolkit, equipped for allocating work, delegating tasks, conducting performance reviews, approving those much-needed vacation leaves requests etc...

But here’s the catch: it got its limits.

It works only within the realms of your team.

And let's be real, relying solely on your role force to make big things happen is like trying to paddle a boat with a spoon — technically possible, but not efficient. ??

Reality Check: Try to push your team to deliver a project just because you are saying so, without getting the proper buy-in. It teaches you the respect of the boundaries of that force.

It is not null, but it is the weakest of the triforce.

?? Expertise Force: Your Skills

This is the Master Force, and it is based on your know-how, your competentcies, your skills and experience.

But here’s the kicker—It is not only about what you know, it's really about how others perceive your expertise.

Ever notice how the room quiets down when you speak on topics you're well-versed in? That’s expertise force in action! ??

It’s crucial not just to have the knowledge, but to make sure it’s seen and recognized. So, don’t keep your skills a secret! Make your expertise visible, share your insights, and let everyone know what you bring to the table.

When you do, you’ll see just how much influence you can wield when people understand and respect your professional prowess. ????

Keep learning, keep sharing.

Your brainpower is your secret weapon. Flaunt it (nicely, of course).

?? Relationship Force: Your Network

This is the Ultimate Force, the strongest of all and also the hardest to obtain.

It’s all about who you know, who knows you, and—most importantly—who trusts you. This force stretches from your immediate team members to your broader professional circle and even beyond. ??

But you can't surge trust; it is built over time through frequent, consistent, reliable actions and genuine interactions. It takes time, it takes investment.

Being kind, genuine, and helpful isn’t just good manners.

Remember, it’s about building bridges, not walls. ??

Take the time to understand the goals, directions, and challenges of those around you. Go beyond transactional interactions.

Whether you’re giving a hand on a project or offering a listening ear, every interaction is a chance to strengthen a connection. ??

So, focus on growing and maintaining these relationships. Not only will this network support you, but it will also amplify your ability to make a real impact. Organization wide.

Practical Tips: Read insight from Roshan Gupta on onboarding new members (I recommend his newsletter to grow as Product Leader)

It’s not just who you are, but who you’re with that shapes your success.

?? Mixing It Up for Maximum Impact

Balance is key.

Don't put all your eggs in one power basket.

Mix and match!

I've found that the best results come from using a bit of everything. And always, always prioritize relationships.

Trust me; they're your ace in the hole. ??

Action Time: Let’s Do This! ??

Think about your own force mix.

Where do you shine, and where could you use a boost?

For me, it was all about stepping up my relationship game.

Changed. My. World.

Note from Yann: ?? Hey folks! Thanks for reading. This was the 10th edition.

Next week, I will republish an original essay.

?? Subscribe to stay updated on future releases.