Stop Hiding Your Light: Why Tooting Your Team's Horn Is Key to Your Own Success

Remember those days as a software developer? The humblebrag was a dangerous game (better performers getting more work and less pay). You'd spend months crafting a masterpiece of code, only to be met with a corporate shrug and a mumbled "next project"? It's enough to make you want to throw in the towel.

But now that you've been promoted to a manager, the rules have changed. The key to success isn't hiding your light under a bushel. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Tooting your team's horn is not just good for them, it's essential for your own professional growth. Don't worry, it's not about ego; it's about strategy.

Success Redefined

We've all seen rockstar developers climbing the ranks, until they crack their head at the "no senior architect positions at this company." But management is a different ballgame. Gone are the days your success was measured solely by your code or technical prowess. Now, your wins come packaged as your team's wins. So, how do you make that transition? I use a simple mantra:

• Tell them what you're going to do.
• Do it.
• Tell them what you did.

Of course, this isn't about empty boasting. The power lies in backing up your words with tangible metrics and ensuring everyone understands your team made those numbers happen.

Why Metrics Matter

Numbers provide undeniable proof of success. They cut through ambiguity and provide a clear picture of your team's impact. But metrics are more than just bragging rights. Here's how they fuel your success as a leader:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Imagine this: your team is struggling to meet deadlines. Metrics like average completion time per task or project cycle length pinpoint bottlenecks. With this data, you can implement targeted solutions, like streamlining processes or resourcing specific areas. Metrics empower you to move beyond guesswork and make informed decisions.
• Resource Allocation Champions: Numbers speak volumes when it comes to budget discussions. Did your team's new marketing campaign increase qualified leads by 30%? Quantifiable results give you leverage when advocating for additional resources, like hiring new marketing specialists or investing in marketing automation tools.
• Benchmarking and Best Practices: Metrics allow you to compare your team's performance against industry standards or internal benchmarks. Let's say your customer satisfaction score consistently exceeds industry averages. This data showcases your team's excellence and can be used to identify best practices that can be shared with other departments.
• Return on Investment (ROI) Champion: When your team spearheads a new initiative, metrics help demonstrate its value. For example, if your team implemented a new customer support system, you can track metrics like reduced support tickets or improved customer resolution times. This data translates directly to cost savings and improved customer experience, making you a champion for ROI-driven projects.
• Goal Setting and Tracking: Metrics are essential for setting achievable goals and tracking progress. Imagine you aim to reduce software development defects by 20%. By tracking metrics like defect rate per release, you can monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your approach as needed. Measurable goals, coupled with data-driven tracking, keep your team accountable and motivated.

Don't just hoard your metrics like a dragon's treasure. Transparency is vital. Share these wins throughout the organization. Higher-ups need this data – it's the most effective way to advocate for your team's resources and recognition

The Soft Skills Advantage

Sure, data is important, but never underestimate the power of soft skills:

• Iterative management: Be adaptable – rigid approaches stifle growth. Research shows that managers who embrace flexibility and are open to feedback create more successful teams.
• Big picture thinking: Step back occasionally to reassess. Are you aligned with overall company goals? This broad vision guides your tactical decisions, ensuring your efforts contribute to the wider ecosystem.
• Tactical and strategic awareness: Know when to focus on the weeds and when to zoom out. It's about striking that balance for optimal results.

Toot Your Horn (Tastefully)

This isn't a call to become a self-promotion machine. It's about smart visibility. When you celebrate your team, you shine a spotlight on your own leadership. Here's how:

• Give credit where credit's due: Every win should include a shout-out to your team. "Our team crushed this project" sounds a whole lot better than "I crushed this project.
• Use data as your megaphone: Instead of "Things are going well," try "My team drove revenue up by 15% this quarter."
• Own the narrative: Share the how behind the metrics. Explain the strategies, processes, and collaboration that led to the results.

Own Your Success

Management isn't about self-effacement. By strategically and thoughtfully showcasing your team's wins, you demonstrate your value as a leader. This visibility builds trust, helps secure resources, and ultimately fuels both your team's success and your own. So, go ahead, toot that horn – you've all earned it.