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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 build effective teams. These essential conditions form the bedrock upon which cohesive and successful teams are built. In today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving tech industry, it is crucial for executives to understand and implement these principles in order to create high-performing teams.

A team must have a clear understanding of their goals, objectives, and purpose. As a tech executive, it is your responsibility to clearly communicate the company’s vision and strategy to your team. This will not only give them a sense of purpose but also provide them with a framework for making decisions and guiding their actions.

Hackman makes clear that in order to have an effective team you must ensure:

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.  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.

A Successful Tech Exec Must Navigate Stormy Weather

Click here to see more about J Richard Hackman and his work at Scholars at Harvard.

Damar Hamlin (#3) – Be on a supportive team that uplifts and has your back.

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. His determination and drive to never give up even in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

Hamlin’s story serves as a reminder that no matter what challenges we may face, perseverance and determination can lead us to success. This is especially true in the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation and resilience are key traits for success.

In today’s digital age, companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. From artificial intelligence to virtual reality, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. And with this rapid growth comes new challenges and obstacles.

But just like Hamlin, those working in tech must also possess unwavering determination to overcome these challenges. Whether it’s finding solutions to technical problems or adapting to changing market trends, a strong sense of perseverance is crucial.

Support Damar’s charity!

Click here for a post on the importance of innovation and adapting to change.

Put your Family First – life’s too short
As a New Tech Professional, Set Expectations Early
Addressing Unconscious Bias

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. Should you set expectations about your time off?

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: Evaluate whether your boss genuinely requires your assistance or if they’re merely attempting to set expectations for the team. Pay attention to the context and frequency of these requests. While there is a risk of being taken advantage of, it’s important to recognize that there could be legitimate needs that require your skills and expertise. Additionally, such situations might offer valuable learning opportunities that can contribute to your personal and professional growth. Ultimately, it’s your decision. Avoid becoming the default person for all the extra work. It’s okay to set boundaries and politely decline when necessary, ensuring you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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

Recovering from a Screw Up
Damar Hamlin (#3) – Be on a supportive team that uplifts and has your back.

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, getting the right mentor 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 a post on setting leadership expectations as a new tech professional.

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