Submission (1/3) as part of IE MBA application (2017/18). Topic E (Describe the most outstanding leader you have worked with...).

1. “Describe the most outstanding leader you have worked
with.”
Tim
IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader 1

2. Tim:Amajoragentforprogressinmyorganisation,Timgavemea
benchmarkandframeworkforevaluatingleadership
» As the head of project development for a multi-billion dollar upstream LNG project, Tim was
involved in crucial decisions at all levels in my organisation
– Each of our encounter was an opportunity to observe how he impacted the direction of the business
» Tim’s behaviours single him as the most outstanding leader I have worked with, particularly:
– As a charismatic leader,Tim was gifted at motivating diverse groups within the organisation
– His “lead-from-the-front” leadership style was positive and people-focussed
– Tim himself was very approachable, and dedicated a huge amount of his time to his team
» I was fortunate to have such a strong role model early in my career, to help me set up my own
framework for setting leadership goals and self-reflection
2IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader

3. » How I see his impact on my development:
Overview:SomeofwhatIseeasTim’sbestqualitieshavebecometargets
formetoemulate,tocomplementmyownstyle
» Tim was a exceptionally positive role model,
who inspired me in a number of ways:
– Focussing on team members and their goals is a
central responsibility of leadership
– Planning well (even on a daily basis) is crucial to
success (both at a project and a personal level)
– Tim showed me how to have maximum impact on
the upstream business, which has given me a
target for my career
» Of course, I still have my own style, and
continue to look for development inspiration in
these areas
3IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
Key areas to emulate:
• People Development
• Time Management
• Business Impact
Areas to develop myself:
• Communication Style
• Problem-Solving
• Focus on Delivery Me
Tim

4. Passionforpeople:Timshowedmethatfocussingonteammembersis
crucialforthegroup’ssuccess
» Tim took an active role in each individual’s
development goals
– Identifying motivations for each individual, he
took an active role in seeking-out development
opportunities for team members
» This brought out a huge level of engagement
within his team
» Tim taught me to see understanding team
members’ motivations and skill sets as a core
part of leadership
– Helping people get more out of their own projects
improves the overall group performance
» I try to spend as much time as possible with
peers and mentees to support their
development
– This helps both of us grow, too, as we learn from
each other
– The challenges become more complex as working
relationships change, and I am looking to broaden
my perspective in an effort to contribute more
4IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader

5. Work Planning
Networking
Decision-
making /
Meetings
Collaborative
Work
Staff
Development
Team Building
(or overtime)
Timemanagement:Tim’sdailyroutineencapsulatedhisapproachto
workingandleadingeffectively,byfocussingonrelationships
5IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
AM
PM
Keeping up-to-speed with different
aspects of the team / organisation
Tim
Dedicating time to networking is still
a development area for me.
Me
Dedicating a significant proportion
of his time to working with team
members on their development.
Tim
This is a balance I’m still trying to
find and is a growth area for me.
Me
Extra effort when required, or team
building at the work bar
Try and target team-building
whenever possible
Tim
Me
Tackle hard problems early to be most
productive (maximum brain function).
I try and keep this approach as part
of my daily plan.
Tim
Me
Set targets and plans on a daily
basis to maximise effectiveness.
I try and maintain a structured plan
for each day (and week).
Tim
Me

6. Careeraspirations:Timshowedmewaystomaximisemyimpactonthe
upstreamoilandgasbusiness
» Tim introduced me to the idea of front-end loading as a crucial focus in major capital projects
» Fundamentally, he taught me to appreciate the value of taking a structured approach to the “why”
and “how” of a potential project
– Acting early ensures that risks and opportunities are identified and managed responsibly
– Defining group objectives requires working with a broad range of stakeholders, both internally and externally,
which is rewarding on a number of levels
– The result is maximised success and risk-adjusted value proposition of a project
» The ability to create value in this space is a highly rewarding and I am looking to expand my skill
base in a range of areas to continue contributing
6IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader

7. Otherlessons:AfewofTim’saxiomshavebecomeusefulguidelinesinmy
professionallife
» What he meant: This actually related to getting the most out of a meal in Beijing, but the principle
is universal – focus on the high-value aspects of the problem to get the most out of it
» How it guides me: Identify the most crucial elements of the problem, and remain focussed, to
ensure that these are addressed before “running out of space” on superfluous aspects
– I’m still working on maintaining the right perspective (balanced against the need to deliver) when working
through problems
7IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
“Go for the value”
(Tim D, 2012)

8. Otherlessons:AfewofTim’saxiomshavebecomeusefulguidelinesinmy
ownprofessionallife
» What he meant: Always consider the range of uncertainties inherent in any solution, as a function
of the input data, the models, and the necessary sensitivities
» How it guides me: Identify the objectives and modelling strategy early on, and make sure that
these influence both the scope of work and expectation management regarding the outcome
8IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
“What’s the range on that?”
(Tim D, 2014)

9. Otherlessons:AfewofTim’saxiomshavebecomeusefulguidelinesinmy
ownprofessionallife
» What he meant: Tim advocated a holistic approach to decision-making, rather than blindly chasing
a simplified estimate of “value”
» How it guides me: Ensure that project evaluation addresses economic and non-economic aspects
(e.g. risk), and that these are communicated clearly to stakeholders across all levels
9IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
“Don’t bring me an NPV”
(Tim D, 2013)

10. Communication
Style
Differencesinstyle:Certainaspectsofmyapproachdon’talignwithTim’s
andIamalwayslookingtodeveloptheseindifferentways
10IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
Focus on
Delivery
Problem
Solving
• Tim is an excellent all-round
communicator, whereas my
own style is more direct.
• I have picked up some
techniques from Tim (such as
how to summarise projects for
management), but I continue to
look elsewhere for suitable
examples.
• Whilst trying to keep the
broader picture in mind, I remain
very focussed on delivery.
• A key aspect is maintaining
perspective in terms of
appropriate effort versus
outcomes.
• Tim’s experience allowed him to
approach problems from an
experiential, analytical
perspective.
• On the other hand, I am more of
an intuitive thinker, and working
on analysing a range of
problems from first principles is
a development goal.
My
Style

11. Whereto,next:Timinspiredmetowanttoachieveandinspireothers,and
I’mnowlookingtoexpandmyskillset
» Where I am in the framework: » Next steps in the journey:
– Continue to work towardsTim’s example in key
areas (passion for people, time management, and
career aspirations)
– Continue to build my own style, both in existing
development areas and completely new ones
– Keep an eye (and ear) out for alternative and
better strategies in both of these categories
11IE MBA Application - Michael Scott - Most Outstanding Leader
Key areas to emulate:
• People Development
• Time Management
• Business Impact
Areas to develop myself:
• Communication Style
• Problem-Solving
• Focus on Delivery Me
Tim