Working as a Team

Some key team lessons I learnt as I progressed (still learning new ones but this is what I gathered over time)

1. Team Contributor: In my early years of my career, It was easy to be an individual contributor and forget the team. Yes, the team can move only as fast as the slowest member, but as a team one can travel farther as the team is more resilient to uncertainty that come along
2. Team Spirit: As I started to manage a team, I realised that many a times, I could have done certain tasks much faster and much easier than actually getting it done from my team member. This is a vicious circle. In the Short term it might seem better but over time the team doesn’t develop competency, lacks accountability and loses interest and inclusiveness. It is okay to travel a little slower for the spirit of the team. What is needed is trust and patience
3. Own the Team: I learnt I have two families, one at home and another at work and my responsibilities are similar. NEST: Nurture, Encourage, Secure & Protect, Trust & Celebrate with Openness
4. Respect the hierarchy: As I started managing multiple teams, I often reached out directly to correct the course a team member was taking (out of concern to customer and be quick to protect). I thought I was fostering openness. It struck me hard and made me realise, just like how I thread carefully not to over turning my spouse or parents decision in front of my kids, I should respect the hierarchy and take them in confidence while working as a group. It enabled me to groom the group to show customer concern and protect better!
5. Grow your Ears: As a leader I learnt that I need to listen to my team mates; each individual comes with unique problems and aspirations. It is important to stitch a solution and show them the path forward. Making an earnest effort, is good for the individual as well as the company. Have Empathy!

All this learning was only possible because of open feedbacks from my work family! For this I am ever thankful. Hope these learnings are no longer “I learnt” but rather “We Learnt”!