January 2023

A Tech Exec Needs to Unleash the Power of Empowerment

Attention tech exec! Pay close attention, as I will reveal a vital secret: truly impactful executives prioritize empowerment. They understand that the true magic lies in enabling their team members to harness their skills and embrace their authentic selves in the workplace.

Are you looking forward to acquiring valuable and practical strategies that can effectively foster an empowered environment? If so, you’re in luck! Here are a few concise yet incredibly impactful guidelines that will equip a tech exec with the necessary tools to create an atmosphere of empowerment and growth.

Empower individuals who have consistently showcased their competence and expertise by entrusting them with decision-making authority. By recognizing their capabilities and providing them with the opportunity to lead, organizations can benefit from their valuable insights and strategic decision-making skills.
Promote and foster the development of skills through dedicated training programs, mentorship opportunities, and continuous learning initiatives. By providing a supportive environment that encourages growth and exploration, individuals can cultivate their talents and expertise to achieve their full potential.
Foster trust within your team as this is a foundational element that can lead to remarkable outcomes. By creating an environment where team members feel empowered, valued, and supported, you enable them to unlock their full potential. This emphasis on trust not only enhances collaboration and productivity but also cultivates a sense of belonging and motivation among team members, resulting in a more cohesive and successful work dynamic.

Remember, as a tech exec, true leadership success flourishes by empowering individuals to empower others! By nurturing a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, leaders can inspire their team members to reach their full potential and make a positive impact. Let’s bring this visionary concept to life and create a supportive environment where everyone’s unique strengths are recognized and valued.

See this post on risk taking as a tech exec.

Tech Exec Success – Build Effective Teams

In his critically acclaimed book, “Leading Teams,” J. Richard Hackman outlines the fundamental prerequisites for a tech exec to establish and sustain highly effective teams. These essential conditions form the bedrock upon which cohesive and successful teams are built.

Teams must be real. People have to know who is on the team and who is not. It’s the leader’s job to make that clear.

Teams need a compelling direction. Members must know and agree on their collective goals. Without clear direction from a leader, there is a risk of divergent agendas.

Teams need enabling structures. Teams with poorly designed tasks, incorrect members, or unclear norms of conduct often encounter trouble.

Teams need a supportive organization. The organizational context – including the reward system, the human resource system, and the information system – must facilitate teamwork.

Teams need expert coaching. Executive coaches often neglect team dynamics, hindering teamwork improvement. Teams need collective coaching to enhance processes, especially at project onset, midpoint, and completion.

As a leader, your success depends on your team’s success. Clear procedures are crucial for achieving this. When everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, it significantly improves performance. Emphasizing teamwork and effective procedures greatly contributes to your success.

Click here for a post on CIO leadership expectations.

Damar Hamlin (#3) – Make Sure You Are on a Team That Supports You

On January 2, 2023, during a Week 17 Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Damar Hamlin, a player for the Buffalo Bills, experienced cardiac arrest on the field.

The NFL’s tremendous support for Damar and his family last weekend was truly remarkable. It’s crucial to ensure that your team reciprocates that same level of support. As a tech executive, it is imperative to foster an environment of unwavering support and camaraderie amongst your team members, regardless of the circumstances.

It’s important to have support of your organization, no matter what state you are in.

Update: After displaying signs of progress, Hamlin was moved to a hospital in Buffalo. Just nine days after the incident, he was to recover at home. With unwavering determination, Hamlin made a complete rebound and ultimately resumed his professional football career.

Support Damar’s charity!

As a New Tech Professional, Set Expectations Early

`As you start your first weekend after a week at a new job, your tech executive boss presents you with an unexpected Saturday proposal request. It puts you in a dilemma, eager to make a good impression as a new team member, but wondering if this will become a regular thing.

My advice is to go ahead and do it but set boundaries right away.

As a new employee, be mindful of vulnerability to bosses assuming you won’t refuse their requests. Maintaining work-life balance means appreciating your well-deserved weekend downtime. Effectively managing expectations is crucial in navigating additional tasks.

Remember, don’t get overwhelmed with weekend work just because you never say no. Prioritize your well-being and set boundaries for long-term success and satisfaction in your professional journey. Support colleagues, foster a positive work environment, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. When declining tasks, show commitment to the organization’s success and a willingness to go the extra mile while emphasizing the importance of personal time. Find this balance to contribute effectively and sustainably to team goals while taking care of your needs.

Pro tip: Assess if your boss truly needs your help or if they’re just setting expectations. While you might be taken advantage of, remember there could be genuine needs and valuable learning opportunities. It’s your decision. Don’t become the go-to person for all the extra work. Politely decline when necessary.

Click here for more about me; if you’d like mentoring support please reach out! I’m happy to help.

Click here to see a blog post on the changing expectations from being technical to being a tech executive.

As a Budding Tech Exec, Prioritize Getting the Right Mentor

Congratulations on completing your first week in a new position and spending time with your mentor! As a budding tech exec, the mentorship role is crucial in guiding you towards your desired career destination. It’s time to assess this partnership. Are you getting what you want from it?

Does your mentor genuinely care?

While I’m not implying that your mentor falls into this category, it’s worth noting that some individuals take on this role merely to tick a box on their corporate to-do list. Many organizations place immense value on mentoring, and rightfully so. However, a few mentors may engage for personal career advancement. So, it’s important to have someone who prioritizes your needs.

To gauge their dedication, observe whether they rush through calls, fail to deliver promised information, or remain inaccessible. If you find that the support you desire is lacking, it’s fair to request a new mentor. Yet, this is your chance to handle a potentially challenging situation with finesse. Instead of immediately contacting their boss or the mentor program leader to express dissatisfaction, initiate a conversation with your mentor.

Consider saying something like, “I’ve noticed your busy schedule and thought switching to a new mentor could be beneficial. Could you assist me in finding someone to continue guiding me?” You might be pleasantly surprised by their receptiveness, especially if they’ve fulfilled the corporate requirement. Don’t forget to acknowledge the positive impact of having them as a mentor, boosting their ego a bit.

Ultimately, you want a mentor who genuinely cares and can assist you in navigating toward your ultimate goal. Good luck!

Click here for more about me; if you’d like mentoring support please reach out! I’m happy to help.

Click here for a post on setting leadership expectations as a new tech professional.