Twelve Lessons My Team Has Taught Me
After the incredible amount of change over the past couple of years, I’ve used this period of disruption to learn, reflect, and grow as a leader. Since the nature of work and leadership have shifted so dramatically, I’d like to highlight twelve key things that I’ve learned from – and try to teach to – my team.?
Not everything that comes directly from your organization should be seen as gospel. Sure, some things are immutable, but constraints often lead to creativity. Processes and understandings should always be challenged, questioned, and adjusted accordingly. That’s why it’s important to work closely with your team, developing a better understanding of the challenges they face alongside any feedback or ideas they may have. No one understands a role better than someone in it. And there’s always an opportunity to adapt, improve, and innovate. The corollary rule is to not take “yes” for an answer unless you know it is the best solution in the allotted timeframe.
Cliché, I know, but it’s an incredibly powerful sentiment that speaks to our endless desire to understand more. I always believe in surrounding myself with winners, especially those from different backgrounds, experiences, and fields of knowledge. We should all strive to work with someone and for someone from whom we can learn. We’re not a business where anything is rote; everything requires thought and skills, so if you aren’t challenged by your people or boss, then you should look elsewhere to ensure ongoing inspiration, motivation, and growth.
As I’ve managed teams over the years and taken on roles, I’ve found that you don’t need to get into something simply because you’re good at it.? People always want to stretch, sometimes a lot, so we should always try (as a team) to look for new opportunities to do things we haven’t done before, figure them out, and hopefully succeed. Putting opportunity in front of people rather than tasks based on their expertise ensures they’ll get more than results– they’ll learn and grow through that opportunity.
We should all recognize that money matters to people, they should be rewarded, or you’ll lose them. Also, you shouldn’t have to forfeit pay for well-being. Inflation is at an all-time high, and everyone is feeling the rising cost of living, so ensure your team is adequately compensated. People should be paid for the value they bring, not the least you can get away with. We’re facing a global skills shortage, so it’s critical your top talent feels recognized, appreciated, and valued, or they’ll start sending out resumes.
No matter where you are in the organization or what you’ve accomplished, a pat on the back always feels good. Even I’m guilty of looking out for my name when ‘Thank You’ notes go out. Recognition is important for motivation, ensuring people understand how their contribution drives the business. It takes so little just to say ‘good job’ or thank someone for what they do. However, appreciation means more than words; it’s about kind gestures and ensuring everyone is compensated fairly.
Being excellent at your job doesn’t make you fit to manage others – and that’s okay. Technical skills don’t always translate to managerial capabilities. It’s essential to know who in your team delivers big ideas and who transforms those ideas into tangible results. Not everyone is suited to management, but everyone can learn some leadership skills to help them become more well-rounded people. Furthermore, leadership does not need to always be formalized; hierarchies can create silos, significantly hindering creativity and performance. Give everyone a chance to lead or learn how.
COVID highlighted the importance of well-being and safety, especially as people worked through great uncertainty and rapid-changing news. Traveling was an impossibility for many of us, which has left a lot of people stir-crazy from being cooped up in their homes for lockdown and beyond. Everyone deserves a break, and it’s important to maintain excitement without falling into exhaustion.
Relating to the team is easier when you’re open, honest, and authentic with them. SAP is all about bringing your whole self to work. It’s also easier to support others when they’re candid about their challenges, goals, and ambitions. But don’t expect for your team to bring their whole selves to work in you don’t.? When you’re your whole self, you perform better and connect with others on a deeper level.
After a long time in this industry, I have started to appreciate just how important my personal time is, and how important work-life balance is to sustaining performance and well-being. Sure, I still work long days and some weekends, but I can still shut down and take time to step away. Whether it’s to spend time alone or with family, the convergence of work and home has highlighted how important it is to separate them still and not let one take control of the other.
Learning and development opportunities are empty promises if employers don’t offer staff the time to use them. The last few years have taken a toll on us all, so asking people to find spare time to devote to skill development is a lot without the support of the business.? After all, the individual and organization benefit from upskilling.?
No matter how well a project goes, it’s very easy to make a simple mistake and forget, with very few exceptions, it is a team effort.? Everyone deserves the same respect for their contributions because everyone’s contribution has value. Ego can’t get in the way of that.? While this may sound contrary to “Everyone appreciated praise,” it is not.? If you respect and praise people for what they do, it will come back around.? I promise.
As soon as we recognize and accept that, it’s understandable why diversity is important. We need to seek out a variety of ideas and experiences to get a more holistic understanding of our challenges and solutions. This means taking input from wherever it comes.? Sometimes it comes from your boss or board.? Mostly it comes from your team who, if you built the right team, is smarter than you.
Happy New Year Michael! Such great lessons, thanks for sharing! Hope you and your family are well :)
Senior Solution Sales Executive at SAP SuccessFactors
2 年9th lesson is so spot on. The best managers I've had have displayed the importance of this one by walking the walk through prioritizing family and health.
Excellent! Thank you for sharing.