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Managing Teams as They Grow Larger

6/21/2022

A manager’s job and communication style must change as their team expands. Writing in The Harvard Business Review, Julia Zhuo, vice president of design at Facebook and author of The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks To You, explores some of the necessary adaptations.

Indirect Management Expands Your Reach: As your team grows, you cannot manage everyone directly, at least not to the same degree. That means developing managers who report to you, and accepting that some decisions will be made without you. At first it may feel like you are losing control—but you are actually empowering your people, and expanding your leadership reach.
People Treat You Differently: When people don’t know you well and see you’re in a position of authority, they’re less likely to tell you the truth or to challenge you when they think you’re wrong, even if you’d like them to. Be aware of this dynamic and take countermeasures. Emphasize that you welcome dissenting opinions and reward those who express them.
People-Centric Skills Matter Most: As teams grow, managers spend less time on the specific craft of their discipline, and more time coaching others. “At higher levels of management… success becomes more about mastering a few key skills: hiring exceptional leaders, building self-reliant teams, establishing a clear vision, and communicating well.”

How has your communication style adapted as your team and your responsibilities have grown? To join the conversation, click "comments" above. We would really like to get your feedback.

2 Comments

Gregg Miller link

6/21/2022 09:11:35 am

Trinity has grown from my decision, to my wife making decisions years ago, to now include our 39 yr old son in the last 18 years. Now, Lance is making alot more decisions on his own. And we have a team of 28 total teammates who make some decisons as well on their own. We have evolved from Edict decisions (we making the decision) to getting feedback and listening to others involved. Everything we read and hear on podcasts speak about this leadership model. it is working and it takes a daily approach to deciding we need to listen more and talk less. I also have found our company now has departments which mean we, the 3 family owners are less involved in daily decisions outside of our area of expertise. We had a meeting yesterday, (i was not involved at all, as the Founder) where we invited two new to the company teammates to attend, due to their interests, skills, leadership, in order to give my son and wife, insight. This was very new to us and needed.

Susan and Peter Glaser

6/23/2022 08:09:52 am

Thank you for sharing your experiences with your ever-growing company, Gregg. Quite impressive how your family business has been able to grow and expand as you’ve included more people in decisions that affect their work. We are delighted to have you as part of our community!

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Managing Teams as They Grow Larger

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