We have to step back and think about what are our priorities as managers and team leaders. Otherwise, we will always be in "operation" and always be sucked in by what is urgent and not what is important.
From a book I have read on Project Management, we have two roles to play as leaders: chess master and gardener. And we have to play both roles.
| Chess Master | Gardnener | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Everything originates from the chess master. All the pieces work together as orchestrated by the chess master. | The gardener does not have full control when the plants will grow. The gardener just needs to make sure the plants have the right environment -- adequate water and sunlight. |
| Sample activities | Scheduling and meetings. | Ensure that team members are growing, having fun and engaged. |
| Focus | Tasks. | Cultivating the right environment. |
As a chess master these are my top things:
1. Schedules are met and adjusted.
2. Actively reward good behavior publicly and punish bad behavior privately.
Publicly praise achievements, and privately have one on one for unwanted behavior. Provide clear guidance as well on how a staff member is evaluated. Keep it simple.
3. Provide regular quick timely feedback.
Do not wait for the annual performance review. When something bad happens, provide feedback as soon as possible. This could be as short as 5 mins.
As a gardener these are my top things:
1. Staff development.
On our team, we set an hour every Friday for knowledge sharing or listening to podcasts together. The topics can be either Drupal development, leadership topics and topics on productivity.
2. Staff is having fun.
We have daily stand-ups so that even on remote work, you don't feel alone. I plan to add regular lunch out as team as time progresses. We haven't had a chance to do an off-site R&R but that is something that I intend to do.
3. Make sure staff is engaged in the work.
Have regular one on one with your team members, preferably every quarter. Talk about their performance, talk about any issues they are having. Ask them how engaged are they in performing their responsibilities.