My Philosophy around Management

Since I'm interviewing for a new job these days, I get asked pretty often what's my philosophy for managing a team. Again, I thought it's a good topic for a post.

I don't think there's a silver bullet with which one can reach the Nirvana of team management. But I do think there's a set of values that can lay the foundation. And it might vary slightly based on personnel, time and location.

My list of values

1. Lead by example
   Is there anybody who likes receiving directions from the side from somebody who has an aversion to getting their hands dirty? Barking orders without participating can quickly turn into noise for the people that should execute them.

2. Adjust
   People are unique, so your approach to engaging with them should be tailored based on what makes them tick. On top of that, people come from different cultures, and their expectations and perceptions might differ from yours and other team mates.

3. The feedback cycle never ends
   Traditionally, companies have fixed feedback cycles. But I believe a true leader works 24/7 on delivering and receiving feedback. The teachable moments happen outside of these cycles, and the more you wait to deliver feedback, the more context gets lost. On top of this, you need to make yourself available to receive feedback constantly. Accountability is a two way street.

4. Listen and be inclusive
   Safety is one of the great drivers of humans. Everybody has an inherent need to feel safe and accepted. Creating an environment where people can be themselves, where they can have a voice and participate in the decision making, is paramount to giving people the sense they belong.

5. Be there
   Being reliable, having people's back through good times and bad times is probably one of the most underrated skill in a manager's tool belt. People function best when they know what to expect from other people, especially from their leader. And when they have somebody in their corner they can rely on, who will pick them up when they trip and fall, who will put them on a path to succeed.