Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire

Friday Edition: October 18, 2024

Welcome to the Workplace Multiplier newsletter. Published every Tuesday & Friday, we discover something crucial to help us on the way to winning at work and in life.

What are you showing up as a leader at work as

Once you start leading a team at work, there 3 roles you have to play.

Everyday.

First, you are the Rainmaker.

As the rainmaker, your job is to ensure your team has all the tools they need to succeed. Your responsibility is to ensure your team has everything they need to perform at their peak. Here's how to excel in the Rainmaker role:

• Resource Champion: You must advocate for your team's needs. Identify the resources – funding, software, training – that can streamline their processes, enhance productivity, and elevate their performance. You will also need to proactively present these needs to senior leadership and champion their importance for overall team success.

• Needs Assessment: You already know you must maintain open communication with your team. It will help you understand their challenges and frustrations. Pay attention during your regular team meetings. Do this so you can identify any roadblocks blocking their progress.

• Resourceful Problem Solver: Don't wait for solutions to fall into your lap. Think creatively and explore alternative solutions to resource limitations. Can you leverage existing company resources in new ways? Are there free or open-source software options that can fulfill your needs? Now, you are cracking the code for the problems.

Second, you are the Imagemaker.

As the imagemaker, your job is to create new partnerships and strengthen existing ones which help your team deliver better.

You foster connections and collaborations that amplify the team's impact. Here's how to leverage the Imagemaker role:

• Internal Collaboration: You must build strong relationships with colleagues in other departments. As you do that, understand their work processes and identify opportunities for collaboration. Can your team's expertise benefit other departments and vice versa?

• External Partnerships: You now have to get out of your comfort zone. It might be difficult because you are a foreigner, but it's not impossible. Look for strategic partnerships. They could be with external vendors, consultants, or industry influencers. They can provide extra resources and expertise to help your team.

• Network Actively: Attend industry events, conferences, and online forums. Do this to stay updated on trends and build connections. Your network can be a valuable source of support and opportunity.

Third, you are the Pathmaker.

As the Pathmaker, you need to seek out new opportunities that increase the impact of what your team does.

It's more than just setting strategic intent.

You need to make the compelling objective so real that it becomes something they want to give their attention and action to.

Here's how to excel as a Pathmaker:

• Strategic Vision: Develop a clear and concise vision for your team, outlining your long-term goals and the impact you aim to achieve. This vision should be ambitious yet attainable, providing a roadmap for success. Don't you just feel inspired to live it out as you read this?

• Opportunity Seeker: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories. Be on the lookout for new opportunities and emerging trends to expand your team's reach and impact.

• Compelling Communicator: Articulate your vision clearly, inspiringly, and engagingly. Get your team excited about the possibilities. Motivate them to give their best efforts to achieve the shared goals.

So what are you going to focus on?

Wrong question. The right question is “How are you going to focus on all three roles?”

You can’t choose one or two and ignore the others. You have to do all.

Every week.

You will need to create a simplified structure that allows you to achieve this.

I have my structure. It ensures that every week, I deliver this value to the team leaders who report to me.

What’s your structure to get this going?

Click reply and let’s get into your world.

Here is wishing you a great weekend.

Tola Akinsulire

I am a Workplace Multiplier.

Ps: today’s edition was adapted from my recently published and well received book “Winning Beyond Borders - Achieving Success at Work in a New Country”. It’s also available on Amazon. Click here to get your copy.

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