6. Redefining Leadership
• Boss Vs. Leader:
– Boss: Dictates
– Boss: Commands
– Boss: Inspects
– Leader: Involves and inspires
• Horde or Mob Vs. Team
Difference is just a thin line
made of respect and coordinaJon
7. Tip #1
CulJvate the characterisJcs
of a true leader:
• DedicaJon
• Integrity
• Technical competence
• Self‐confidence
• Devoted to the objecJves that are entrusted to
him but also to his people
8. Tip #2
Own your team
• Values: There is no “team” unJl everybody
understands the team “colors”
• MoJvaJon: Find out what moves your team,
personally and professionally
• DevoJon: Leading is a full Jme job
9. Tip #3
Lead by example
• “First to fight & last to flee” aetude
• Make sure you commit to your own rules and
deadlines
• Respect your team and you will be respected
10. Tip #4
Provide support
and develop your team
• “Sergeant” comes from the french “Servant”... he who serves
the troops
• Facilitate and remove roadblocks
• Pareto principle: ideally 20% of new tasks or non maintenance
development
• Create a weekly space for the team to share its views on
technology or projects, even if they are personal
11. Tip #5
Create a dependable structure &
trust it
• Avoid “nobody in command” and “hide the bomb” situaJons
• Implement high standards without a “zero defect” aetude
• Share the burden of command and delegate process
inspecJons
12. Tip #6
Define “Success”
• The “problem” defines the “goal”
• Clear and realisJc objecJves
• Measure progress using always the same metrics
• Just like in combat, keeping a “defensive” aetude for long
periods of Jme drains teams moral
13. Tip #7
“Debrief” each mission
• Analyze what went well and what could be improved aier
every release
• Encourage feedback over the work done on the previous
release
• Making a mistake is human, making the same mistake twice is
stupid (and potenJally deadly)
14. Tip #8
Reward and punish
with respect
• Reward and scold should last no more than a few minutes
• Scolding should be personalized but never personal
• Should be done as soon as possible aier the offense, and
should be done in person with good eye contact
15. Tip #9
Stand up and take the hit
• Decide and execute when there is conflict. Never let coworkers
argue for too long waiJng for them to decide who “wins”
• Hence, even if your decision is not popular the affected party
will focus frustraJon on you and not on coworkers. Remember
keeping the team oiled and operaJve always comes first.
• Is bejer to make a bad decision than taking none
16. Tip #10
Shut up and learn!
• Being a leader doesn’t mean you should know everything, that
is why you have competent people reporJng to you
• A good listener is a good decision maker
• Avoid using your personal experience as your only aid when
analyzing a situaJon
