While our cofounder Adrienne Guerrero is traveling, we’ve dipped into our vault to share a gem from 2022 that’s remarkably relevant today. 

Watch as we explore how slowing down can actually speed up team performance and results and enjoy this timeless conversation.

Here are a few strategies for putting people first and avoiding deadline-driven misalignment:

  • Take time to establish team dynamics when personnel changes occur – rushing through team formation without understanding work styles and responsibilities leads to greater inefficiencies and frustrations down the line. 
  • Practice strategic pausing – when caught in a “tornado” of activity, stop to reassess fundamental questions like “What is our objective?” and “Who is our audience?” before continuing execution. 
  • Establish clear objectives before scheduling working sessions – avoid putting meetings on calendars without defined agendas and goals. 
  • Have explicit conversations about work responsibilities and team member roles, especially during transitions – unclear accountability creates confusion and inefficiency. 
  • When leading change initiatives, prioritize understanding how team members work together – skipping interpersonal dynamics means cleaning up on the back end. 
  • Ensure clarity flows in all directions – leaders need to clearly communicate expectations while team members should feel empowered to ask clarifying questions.

Common sense, right? You may even say, “I know this.” Yes, and is it common practice? Adrienne Guerrero, seasoned change leader, admits to getting caught up in the reactive tornado and needs to be reminded to pause, think strategically, and re-align. 

Our current business pace creates environments of hyper reactivity. We hope you enjoy and benefit from this reminder.

Contact us here to learn more about our complimentary People Strategy Power Hour— where we’ll help transform your business challenges into team wins.

Pause and view your business challenge from the perspective of people first lens.

While taking time for people strategy may feel like a luxury when deadlines loom, the transcript demonstrates how a single hour of intentional alignment can prevent weeks of confusion and rework. 

Ready to explore how people’s strategy could accelerate your business outcomes? Join us for a People Strategy Power Hour where we’ll examine your business challenge through a human-centered lens. Let’s turn your team’s potential into performance.

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Tom & Adrienne