Successful companies are not without competitive pressure and tension. The challenge to innovate, price well, find top talent, etc. can certainly bring out the best in people. However, it can also bring out the worst … and nasty, abusive, intolerant behaviors bring out the worst in teams. Positive, confident, approachable, professional leaders inspire and elevate teams, and lead them to excel.

The need to recognize people’s skills and knowledge goes without saying. Understanding their passions, creativity, and curiosity are equally important in deciding how a project will be executed. After all, as a leader, I would have to put my trust in them (and of course others) if we were to be successful. Resumes and tests don’t tell the full story.

You are part of a thriving company which is struggling to innovate. Teams are supporting customers and sustaining products, yet not really evolving wares or taking risks to outpace the competition or address major shifts in the marketplace. The team has good people who are committed to the company’s success; however, they are challenged making critical decisions and are inadequately organized to address what perhaps the CEO/CTO/CPO are envisioning. Internal leadership is not up to the necessary task to make critical decisions that balance “today” vs. “tomorrow”. You need brave, external leadership who can help move the needle.

Last time I wrote about the challenges and emotions of being the new guy. Your new position is an important one with lots of responsibility. You are an executive, perhaps in the role of an individual contributor or maybe overseeing a number of employees or departments. Regardless, you’re a leader and expectations are high. Your team, adjacent organizations, and the company expect lots from you … and the honeymoon period isn’t very long. Where do you start?

Stepping into the role of a leader is hard. You’re smart, well-educated, and personable. Your new team is poised to challenge you. There isn’t lots of time to make a difference. And what happens when a re-org hits and it’s again time to start over? Yikes!

After decades of participation, I’m far from ready to quit the world of tech. Sharing leadership and team experiences with others, helping them to grow, and making an impact through a formalized approach struck me as an exciting endeavor.