Creating Next Generation Impact

Happy Thursday!  Here’s what you need to know in tech in under 2 minutes…

What tech leaders should be thinking about this week:  How to reaffirm your vision of organizational impact both in current state and future state.  I’ve been working with a team in the digital advertising space going through a ton of change. Books of business are changing. Support models are being modified. Traditional definitions of success are changing with AI. One of the leaders was really struggling with how to navigate all the unknowns associated with their business (and what it might become). He was stuck in reaction mode, trying to define value by addressing each issue whack-a-mole style aligned to his current vision.  Instead, I recommended that he take a different approach by acknowledging the change and pivot his vision to show how his team would win in the approaching new world.  In other words, manage the change by defining vision2.0 instead of constantly addressing the impact to vision1.0.

Why this is important:  Quickly aligning organizational impact to a change in business strategy is critical to navigating uncertainty. At a foundation level, it forces the leader to clearly define how their teams will support/align to a shift. In addition, a new strategy will demonstrate to team members that you’re creating space for winning, providing motivation and incentive to continue good work. And finally, it shows that you’ve got the creative problem solving and big-picture thinking required to survive in today’s tech environment – something all senior executives want!    

Where you’ll see impact:  Even if you’re not going through a shift in business strategy, creating your org’s vision2.0 will elevate your team’s performance.  You’ll be: better preparedif/when organizational change does happen – you can quickly shift priorities with an outline of new impact areas, more inspirational to your team showing how you’re thinking of the future and what “could be,” better informed on who’s up-for-a-challenge across your team (A-Players vs B-Player), showing-up as a leader who’s adaptable, visionary, and creative (hello promotion!).

Value Add – Additional ways to show-up as a leader:  Looking for true leadership during incredible heartbreak?  I had a weekend full of Wimbledon and Amanda Anisimova’s runner-up on-court speech at the conclusion of her match is worth watching. A true demonstration of acknowledgement, gratitude and vision for the future.  Check it out here.  Get your tissues ready!

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Here’s to your Engaged Pursuit!