Respect Co-workers to get best out of teams
Spent some days with a small film company, who were producing a short film? They were a bunch of youngsters, as most creative professionals are in this digital age, with a large crew of technicians. They were all at the top of their game.
As a student of leadership, I have been a life-long observer of leaders in corporate organisations. But, this was a first for me in an unstructured environment populated with a few exceptionally talented mavericks and a large number of highly skilled team members. I was fascinated by the dynamics of their teamwork.
By definition, hierarchy had little significance here. Of course, the director was the boss but even he had to work largely without asserting formal authority. He is one among equals. The role of the head of production is equally important and the two of them have to be in perfect sync like Yin and Yang in a symbiotic relationship.
But, it is an amoeba like organisation that continually changes its shape with the need of the moment. People step in and out of the action zone as required, most of the time even without being told.
The glue that binds the team together is passion and love for the medium. It is the Director’s infectious enthusiasm that ignites the Energy of the team and the desire for Excellence.
Coupled with that is discipline without which it is impossible to deal with the punishing schedule. Sometimes the shoot begins at wee hours of the morning to catch the first rays of the sun and continue late into the night. This calls for not only stamina (mental and physical) but also extreme rigour.
For me, one quality that stood out was the respect for every member of the team and what she brings to the table. The most talented director’s shot can be ruined by a small error of the junior most technicians.
Therefore, it is essential to imbue everyone working in the unit with a sense of pride in what she is doing for the production.
In dealing with people who are masters of their trade, the leader has to leave it to the professionals without excessive interference. Having set the broad framework of the desired outcome, the director often adds value only by her attention to detail.
Finally, it is the human touch that holds the team together and triggers the adrenaline rush that is the magic potion for creative work. In an intense — high pressure work atmosphere, usually in a challenging physical environment, it is also important to have fun spontaneously and ease the tension. Good leaders know how to do that too.
All these qualities are equally relevant for business leaders in a VUCA world increasingly populated by millennial mavericks.
#Leadership #Coaching #Teamwork #VUCA #Millennials
