Creating Tech Excellence: The Servant Leadership Approach
Steve Auld, Senior IT Leader at NBH Bank
I am a senior Information Technology Leader with extensive experience in many aspects of IT including personnel and project leadership, change and process management, architecture, budgeting as well as application and database development, to name just a few.
Balancing work and life isn't just about finding harmony in one's personal and professional spheres; it's a strategic advantage that profoundly impacts leadership effectiveness and team dynamics. A shining example of this equilibrium in action is Steve Auld, a senior Information Technology Leader. Steve's extensive career has seen him masterfully blend the demands of IT leadership with his commitment to nurturing a rich personal life. This holistic approach stems from his steadfast belief in servant leadership, a philosophy that places the well-being of his team members at the forefront. By fostering an environment where his team can thrive both professionally and personally, Steve not only cultivates loyalty and dedication but also ignites a culture of innovation and collaboration. His journey demonstrates that striking a balance between work and life isn't just a matter of personal fulfillment; it's a strategic choice that propels leaders and their teams to new heights of success.
Leading with Servant Leadership in Tech Teams
Building high-performance tech teams through Servant Leadership is a transformative approach that empowers leaders like Steve Auld to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Steve, a seasoned tech leader, emphasizes that Servant Leadership in the tech industry is about putting the needs of team members first, enabling them to thrive and grow. By nurturing a supportive environment where team members feel valued, heard, and encouraged, Steve has seen remarkable results. He believes that when leaders prioritize the well-being and development of their teams, it not only boosts productivity but also fuels a sense of purpose and ownership among individuals, ultimately leading to a stronger, more cohesive tech team.
David a veteran in the tech industry, underscores the profound impact of Servant Leadership on a global scale. He envisions a world where all leaders, not just in technology but across all sectors, embrace the principles of Servant Leadership. David firmly believes that this shift could be a catalyst for positive change, fostering empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. When leaders lead by example and genuinely care for the growth and welfare of their teams and communities, the effect can be felt far beyond the confines of the workplace. In this vision, the world becomes a better place, where collaboration and a shared commitment to a greater good prevail, making the possibilities for technological innovation and societal progress boundless. Servant Leadership, as championed by leaders like Steve and embraced by visionaries like David, is not just a management philosophy; it's a catalyst for a brighter future, one high-performing tech team and one leader at a time.
Solution-Driven Leadership: How Attitude and Ability Conquer Challenges
Solution-driven leadership is a hallmark of great leaders who possess both the attitude and the ability to overcome challenges. David, a luminary in the tech world, aptly points out that exceptional leaders are problem solvers at heart. They approach obstacles with an unwavering determination to find a way forward, leveraging their passion for solving complex issues and conducting thorough research. In David's eyes, this tenacity and love for problem-solving are core qualities for success in fields like coding and computer science. It's about not just tackling problems but embracing them as opportunities to grow and innovate.
Drawing from his own experiences, Steve Auld offers an insightful analogy for solution-driven leadership. He encourages aspiring leaders to be like ducks—maintaining a calm, composed exterior while fervently working beneath the surface to accomplish their goals. Steve emphasizes that a leader doesn't need to display anxiety or frustration to demonstrate their commitment to solving problems and achieving their objectives. Instead, it's about maintaining a steadfast and focused attitude, quietly paddling toward solutions and progress. This blend of inner determination and outward composure is a hallmark of solution-driven leadership, allowing leaders to navigate challenges gracefully while consistently moving towards their desired destination.
The Impact of Your Mentor Choice in Tech Leadership
Mentor selection is not just a chance occurrence in the journey of tech leadership; it is a deliberate and strategic move that can shape one's entire career. For Steve, one of his most influential mentors has been his own father. In his younger years, Steve's father imparted rich values and shared invaluable life experiences that have fundamentally shaped him into the remarkable tech leader he is today. This unique mentorship dynamic underscores the significance of mentor selection as a strategic choice that extends beyond the professional realm. Steve's father not only instilled in him a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence but also nurtured his innate curiosity and passion for technology. Through these formative experiences, Steve learned not only the technical skills but also the invaluable life lessons that have become the foundation of his leadership style.
Similarly, David speaks of the importance of finding the best mentor whose leadership style resonates with your aspirations. He views mentor selection as an intentional strategy to harness the power of leadership diversity. David understands that different mentors can offer unique perspectives, and by carefully curating his mentorship experiences, he has been able to integrate various leadership approaches into his own style. This strategic approach to mentor selection has not only expanded his skill set but has also allowed him to navigate the complex landscape of tech leadership with confidence and adaptability. In the fast-paced world of technology, the significance of mentor selection as a leadership strategy cannot be overstated; it's the compass that guides you through uncharted territories and helps you emerge as a true leader in the digital age.
Why You Should Hire Those Smarter Than You
At the heart of Steve Auld's leadership philosophy lies a simple yet powerful mantra: "Hire people that are smarter than you and get out of the way." This underscores the profound value of leading by trusting your team's expertise. Steve firmly believes that assembling a team of individuals who excel in their respective domains and then empowering them to make informed decisions is the key to sustainable success in the tech industry. It's about recognizing that leadership is not about micromanaging every detail but about fostering an environment where brilliant minds can thrive and contribute their best.
In Steve's world, leaders act as enablers, guiding their teams with a light touch, while the experts they've brought on board navigate the complex terrain of technology with precision and creativity. This approach not only accelerates innovation but also instills a sense of ownership and accountability within the team. By placing trust in the capabilities of his team members, Steve has seen the fruits of this philosophy firsthand, witnessing his organization achieve remarkable feats and navigate challenges with agility. It's a leadership style that cultivates an atmosphere of collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual respect, ultimately leading to a harmonious blend of individual brilliance and collective success.
In conclusion, the insights from leaders like Steve Auld and David remind us that leadership isn't just about authority; it's about empowerment and trust. Striking a balance between work and life isn't just a personal choice—it's a strategic advantage that fuels our leadership journey and team dynamics. Steve's unwavering commitment to servant leadership and his belief in hiring people smarter than himself are both compelling testaments to the power of leading by trust and empowerment. By nurturing an environment where team members can thrive both professionally and personally, leaders like Steve foster not only loyalty and dedication but also a culture of innovation and collaboration. As we embark on our own leadership journeys, let's remember these inspiring philosophies, for they hold the key to unlocking our full potential and propelling our teams to unparalleled heights of success. In the end, it's not just about being a leader; it's about becoming an enabler of greatness.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“You work hard, and you play harder”
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