"A few years ago, I was fortunate to work for a leader that introduced me to leadership team effectiveness and the power that it brings to leadership teams. I didn’t know much about it however I had a sense of curiosity which made me want to learn more. In my early journey I was challenged, thrown out of my comfort zone and had to show a level of vulnerability I hadn’t even shown my family. It was all in the spirit of learning and becoming a better leader. Since my early days of leadership team effectiveness, it has become built into the DNA of who I am.
My team spends time out of the regular workplace every quarter at what we call a ‘Cliff House’. We hire a large house for a couple of days and all stay together, allowing us to connect as people sharing meals and stories. It’s a critical part of building trust. This is the time where we work on ourselves and us as a team. Every quarter we stretch and challenge our team effectiveness and go deeper into learning about ourselves and how we work as a team."
What are the core principles you hold around leading leadership team effectiveness?
"My belief in leadership team effectiveness is based in the conviction that no one individual can lead an organisation or team. It's a collective effort, requiring diversity, trust and authenticity. One core principle I hold is the significance of trust. Trust is the glue that binds a leadership team together. It's built on open communication, accountability, and vulnerability. Without trust, our team's effectiveness crumbles.
Another fundamental principle is the recognition that leadership is a journey and requires constant work. Leadership team effectiveness isn't achieved overnight; it's a continuous process of growth and adaptation. Embracing change and learning from failures are essential mindsets that keep the journey alive."
Share a moment or experience in which you were most proud of your team effectiveness journey?
"Proud moments. It’s easy to choose the moments when the team is firing on all cylinders. For me, my proudest moment in this journey was the transformation of a once cohesive team that significantly lost our way when I stepped away from the leadership role for a period.
We faced a pivotal decision that had the potential to undo a couple of years of leadership work. The team leaned into exceptionally difficult conversations and confronted the issues on show whilst also recognising each person’s individual part in the breakdown. We leaned into the trust we had built and had to restart building the team again. As we worked on our team effectiveness and recognised we were not where we wanted to be, I witnessed my team members come together to find common ground. It was a moment of clarity, where individual egos gave way to a shared commitment. Over a number of weeks, we had difficult conversations that re-built team cohesion."
What have been some of the barriers to team effectiveness you have faced over the years?
"Over the years, I've encountered numerous barriers to leadership team effectiveness. Ego-driven leadership is a significant hurdle. Leave your egos at the door! When leaders prioritise personal agendas over the team's collective goals, it can drive mistrust and hinder progress. Ineffective communication is another common barrier. Misunderstandings, unspoken tensions and a lack of transparency can create a toxic atmosphere within the team.
Resistance to change is yet another challenge. People often fear the unknown, and embracing change can be uncomfortable. Leaders must navigate this resistance with empathy and a clear vision of the benefits change can bring."
What advice do you have for new and emerging leaders embarking on their team effectiveness journey?’
"To those embarking on their journey toward team effectiveness, my advice is simple yet profound. Cultivate trust relentlessly. It's the bedrock upon which your team's success rests. Be open to learning, even from failures, and remain adaptable in the face of change. Embrace diversity and inclusion, as they are powerful catalysts for building great teams.
My aim as a leader has always been to have the team function effectively without me for a significant period of time … don’t underestimate the impact you as a leader have on the cohesion of the team. Take time out of your normal workday and go off site. Hire a house to hold your off sites in. It may seem scary at first, but the bonding you will have with your team over a meal is invaluable. Circle back on your commitments regularly and have someone come in help facilitate your team effectiveness journey whilst you and your team build the skills to self-facilitate.
Be creative. You will get things wrong, however, bring your team on that journey. Have a plan, and don’t be afraid to push your teams to be uncomfortable. Trust is key…"
