Hi there! Usually I discuss the benefits of digital and social and – more recently – how you can survive a changing economy with digital tools. But let's talk about leadership of your team and how – done well – that can get you through the tough times.
It's crazy tough to succeed without a team that are all pushing in the same direction!
And this will apply to you whether you are just out of school and looking for your first gig, or you've been in your business for a while and lead a team yourself!
Hi there, I am Geoff Allen in the studio today for Geoff On Digital DOT COM. Please like and subscribe for the latest.
Here is something I wrote a while back that I always share with my teams.
The measure of a person is not how they react when times are easy, it is how they react when times are stressful and tough. Be passionate but friendly, urgent but measured, and by all means, be nice. We can disagree without being disagreeable. Don't panic! I know, ground breaking stuff. Hold your applause until the end please!
Now, before we go too far... this doesn't mean people never get fired or quit. And it doesn't mean you're trying to be everyone's friend. This is about leadership and inspiring a team to work with a philosophy that will lead you, or your company to success.
Sure... everything's awesome when you're rolling in success and the profits are soaring... But can you succeed as a leader or as a team member when the times are tough?
YOU may have not seen this, but I have... a manager who comes flying out of the office with a profanity laced tirade when something goes wrong – or when the numbers are down. This usually produces team members that point fingers at others - trying to avoid the deadly wrath. AND, it also incentivizes them NOT to take a risk at 'being bold' which - when done correctly - leads to success. In this situation, people eventually will just try not to be the next object of shame.
How DO you react when times are tough? Are you just a jerk or do you lead and inspire and look for the next opportunity to succeed?
Here's the thing, when trend lines and revenue drop, so does moral. When moral drops people get stressed. Then if you're not careful, people are no longer planning, they are ONLY reacting... you know, the 'hair on fire management' technique. I've seen it and it never succeeds. The 'hair on fire' person usually flames out.
The challenge is to direct that energy in a positive way. Sounds easy. It's not. And It's not just managers... team members can have this same challenge. So let's talk a bit about my little philosophy here. **Those inspirational word from earlier!
"Be passionate but friendly. Be urgent but measured." How do we do this?
Well, here is one of the things I did and it went a LONG way to bringing the team together.
Have a short Huddle with your team – maybe 5 mins – every morning and find out what the game plan is... what are the projects that are due today, tomorrow, etc. This is where you may need to refocus their efforts... and you can also gauge how they are handling things. You don't have to beat people up here but you can impart the urgency and importance of short term and long term goals each day in these quick meetings.
You're basically triaging the day and making sure you're still planning and not just reacting.
Also, address issues immediately. Let nothing fester. Usually we compliment in public and at the beginning of the day. If we have to have a difficult conversation, we usually do that at the end of the day unless the matter is urgent. But don't let it go until tomorrow or next week. That just lets things fester. As a leader you think, "Maybe it wasn't that bad," and team members think, "Well I guess that is the way I will keep performing since my leader said nothing."
Then this part... "Be nice. We can disagree without being disagreeable."
Sounds like common sense but you would not believe how many times I have been brought in to manage a team and I had to show them how much more creative, successful and efficient they can be, if we're not at each other's throats. **You can actually enjoy your job!
And if you are a manager, this makes your life as a leader much more rewarding both in success and reduced stress.
The hardest thing for me to do is parting ways with someone with whom this is their only challenge. If someone's work ethic consists of trying to succeed only by making others look bad, then they not for me.
Hard decisions sometimes have to be made. If not, one person can be a cancer on an entire team or even in an entire organization.
OK... so bringing this around to digital. Digital producers, creators, managers and directors are a creative unique bunch. I am one. I can say that! Nothing benefits a digital team more than having a nice cross-section of folks on the team. Talented veterans bring perspective and judgement and can really inspire some of you rising stars!
Speaking from my OWN experience... When hiring a new 'digital team member,' I find that many spend a lot of time working on their own whether in school or at home. Not all, but many. Especially with the recent 'school-at-home' folks.
It can be a culture shock to all of a sudden be thrust into a team environment where they have to learn that there is 'give and take' and sometimes constructive criticism in order to develop and grow.
The job interview is where you want to be sure and set this expectation. Be sure you have a healthy discussion about being confident yet humble and inquisitive; are they willing to ask questions and share their knowledge? Do they understand that they also may be able to learn from others on the team. because if there is any department that is constantly changing in any company, it is the digital technology. What you learned in school may be obsolete when you get out.
All right, that's leadership 101 according to Geoff.
Be sure to follow me on YouTube and Linked in and you can also reach me at our contact form at geoffondigital.com.
Thanks for reading. Catch ya next time
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