Awards: Best Team Performance 2023

In 2023, the team I manage won the Best Team Performance award across our organization. Considering our organization is composed of X individuals and Y teams, this was no small achievement.

What's even more impressive is that my team secured this award with only three full-time employees, whereas historically, the team comprised 5-8 members.

I managed this team and am immensely proud of their achievements throughout the year. While I would love to take credit for their success, doing so would not only be untrue but would also undermine the incredible efforts of the team members. I believe a manager's role is to help individuals become the best version of themselves at work by fostering their growth and supporting their interests.

I've been a manager since 2022, and it has been a challenging yet rewarding learning experience. The skills that lead to success as an individual contributor differ significantly from those required for effective management. Management isn't about being a more advanced individual contributor; it's about helping your team achieve their goals through a balance of oversight, autonomy, feedback, trust, and compassion.

So, how do you find the right combination? How do you measure your effectiveness as a manager? If I had a definitive answer, I could likely productize and sell it. While I don't have a perfect solution, I do have a few principles I strive to follow:

• Respond to team member emails within 24 hours: Prompt communication shows respect and attentiveness.
• Give frequent feedback: "I am going to give you feedback pretty often, and this goes for everyone."
• Request feedback regularly: Seek input on processes, projects, and individual performance.
• Praise publicly, admonish privately: Recognize achievements in front of the team, but handle criticisms discreetly.
• Set clear expectations and allow for human imperfection: Provide guidance while understanding that mistakes happen.
• Delegate effectively: Trust your team with responsibilities and empower them to take ownership.
• Keep detailed notes and highlights: Document important discussions and milestones.
• Give credit where it's due: Acknowledge contributions and celebrate successes.

I have these guidelines written down and review them every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This routine ensures they remain top of mind and helps me stay aligned with my management philosophy.

By adhering to these principles, I aim to create an environment where my team can thrive and continue to achieve outstanding results.