TBD 38: The Long Game
Things...might take some time
In many of the workshops that I instruct, I get questions about how to become an influential leader.
I think folks are looking for the short answer in hopes of feeling impactful and respected in a short amount of time. I suspect however that true influence comes from building trusting relationships over time, having a point of view backed by solid data, and having a vision that benefits the organization as a whole.
Sometimes that could be framed as singing your song. Over and over you're repeating the same messages or same ideas and over time those ideas are catching on slowly and influencing others.
Years and Years
When I was working at Facebook, I was almost two years into my mission to start a Design Ops Team. I may have had three people on my team at that point and we were continuing to navigate how we were most useful to the organization. Although I could see the potential and the benefits of the team clearly in my mind, it was harder to get adoption across the organization.
At this time, my manager asked me to meet with a VP of Engineering to see if he could help. The VP had some very directed questions about the purpose and relevancy of a Design Ops team. The questions were fair but tough.
At the end of the conversation, I asked, "Is this just a bad idea? Should I stop trying to build this team?" He laughed and replied, “Oh no, I've been working on a project for five years and I'm still trying to make sense of what it is exactly!”
Although I was able to check off multiple tasks on my to do list on any given day, this mission would take more effort, more time, and more patience.
I needed to reframe my game.
Of course that doesn't mean that we should spend unending effort on things that don't seem to be making any progress at all. We need to establish a scope that we believe is reasonable along with a few initial milestones.
Over time we can look back and it will feel much easier than it was in the moment. (Go to any conference to hear effortless tales of success. I guarantee there were many painful moments that don't make the final slide deck).
Making a long term plan:
Understand who it is you need to gain as allies or contributors to your plan. Who has the authority to support your work and drive it forward? Executive Sponsorship is useful.
Establish early milestones so you can see progress along the way.
Understand that the first milestones may not be very satisfying. Since you're really just getting started, Version 1 is a reflection of that...just a start.
Remember that it always looks easier in the rear view mirror.
Leading with Heart is back. Join us!
I'm offering Leading with Heart again. Join me for two weeks of unpacking what it means to create a safe team, demonstrate embodied leadership and stay sane in stressful moments.
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Speaking of Design Ops... Come by the Fireside Chat with Design Ops Assembly.
I'll be joining Meredith Black in a Fireside Chat this April. We're talking about Design Ops and Leadership opportunities inherent in the role:
Join Us!