Managing High-Performing Teams

Who Could Benefit from This Talk?

• Managers of high-performing teams
• Managers trying to elevate team performance
• High performers seeking improved relationships

What Makes a High-Performing Team?

• Number of commits?
• Number of pull requests?
• Number of code additions/deletions (++/--)?
• Number of passing tests?

Lead Differently

• Redefine your traditional value-add
• There is a role for you!

But how?

Provide an atmosphere of trust, learning, empowerment

• "What" vs. "how"
• Safe space
• Meet commitments

Get out of their way

• Reduce bureaucratic overhead
• Suggestion: standups vs. written status reports

Provide shelter from distraction

• "First line of defense"
• Channel communications through you
• Caution: alienation

Know when (not) to insert

• Resist "nexus" mentality
• Tactical problem-solving vs. prioritization
• Servant leadership
• Suggestion: prioritize resolution need

Co-locate ("embed")

• Respect for creative process
• Observe working norms
• Reduce “ivory tower” misconceptions
• Promote "just-in-time" communication

Address under-performers

• Live/die as a team...to a point
• Mitigate drain and resentment
• Replace under-performers

Listen

• Communication occurs, but differently
• "Active listening"
• Parrot back to confirm understanding
• Have others parrot back

And remember...

• Leadership is needed
• Actively combat role ambiguity
• Challenge: lead differently!
• Your "gift"

Thank You

GitHub: tbickerton

Twitter: @timbickerton