KEYNOTE: Moving from Frustration to Clarity - Tenets of Leading a Team - Ivan Stegic

Summary

In his keynote, Ivan Stegich discusses how to lead teams from chaos to clarity. Drawing from his personal experiences and leadership journey, he emphasizes the importance of having a shared purpose or 'myth' that unites the team. By continuously talking about the mission, finding overlaps with clients' goals, doing meaningful work, and repeating the process, leaders can create a cohesive team culture. Ivan outlines five key principles for fostering clarity: create a myth, talk about it, find overlaps, do the work, and repeat, helping teams stay aligned and motivated.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ivan's journey from South Africa to the U.S. highlights the importance of following dreams, adapting to new environments, and the lessons learned from different professional experiences.
• 😀 The idea of 'myth' is central to building a cohesive team. Myths are shared beliefs or values that help guide teams and organizations toward a common purpose.
• 😀 A successful team is built around a clear sense of purpose, which can be achieved by having a shared myth that all team members understand and buy into.
• 😀 Communication of the mission and values is key. Repeatedly talking about the team's myth and purpose keeps it fresh and ensures it becomes second nature for everyone involved.
• 😀 Finding overlaps between your team’s values and your clients' or collaborators' values strengthens relationships and enhances the impact of your work.
• 😀 The five key principles for achieving clarity within teams are: 1) Have a myth, 2) Talk about it, 3) Find the overlaps, 4) Do the work, and 5) Repeat the process.
• 😀 Leaders should focus on creating an authentic connection to the mission. It's essential for leaders to genuinely believe in the mission for it to resonate with the team.
• 😀 Building a team culture requires continuous effort. Just as a leaky bucket needs constant filling, a team’s purpose must be regularly reinforced to maintain clarity and unity.
• 😀 Self-care is important for personal effectiveness, especially when facing challenges. Leaders should not only lead their teams but also manage their own well-being to stay focused.
• 😀 Celebrating achievements and connecting them to the mission reinforces the sense of purpose within the team and makes daily work feel meaningful.
• 😀 Repetition and constant reflection on the mission ensure that the team’s vision remains aligned and that improvements are made based on ongoing feedback and observations.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Ivan Stegich's keynote?

The central theme of Ivan Stegich's keynote is the importance of clarity and shared purpose in teams. He emphasizes how creating a clear vision and maintaining a focus on purpose can move teams from chaos and frustration to clarity and success.

How does Ivan Stegich define a 'myth' in the context of team leadership?

In this context, a 'myth' is not a falsehood but a shared belief or story that forms the foundation of a team's purpose and vision. It helps unite the team by giving them a common goal and reason for action.

What role does repetition play in maintaining a team's clarity of purpose?

Repetition is crucial in reinforcing the team's myth, mission, and values. Ivan Stegich compares it to a leaky bucket, suggesting that the mission needs to be continuously filled with communication, so it becomes ingrained in the team's daily actions and mindset.

What is the 'overlap' that Stegich refers to, and why is it important?

The 'overlap' refers to the alignment between a team's mission and the values or mission of their clients. Finding these overlaps strengthens the sense of purpose, creating mutual understanding and a deeper connection between the team and their work.

Can you explain the significance of the 'do the work' principle in Stegich's talk?

The 'do the work' principle emphasizes the importance of execution. Stegich stresses that while leaders can't control external factors, they can control their own actions and decisions. By focusing on the work at hand, practicing self-care, and tuning out distractions, teams can stay aligned with their mission.

What advice does Stegich give to leaders in terms of celebrating team achievements?

Stegich advises that leaders should create spaces for celebrating achievements, whether personal or professional. Celebrations should be linked back to the mission and values, reinforcing the team's purpose and helping members see the impact of their work.

How does Stegich describe the importance of empathy in leadership?

Empathy is a core value in Stegich's leadership approach. He believes that leaders must lead with empathy to build trust and alignment within their teams. This includes listening to team members, understanding their needs, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.

What is the relationship between Stegich's personal background and his leadership philosophy?

Stegich's background growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, studying physics and psychology, and working in various high-tech companies shaped his worldview and leadership style. His experiences with both success and failure in different work environments have led him to value clarity, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership.

What does Stegich mean when he says 'scale doesn't matter' in the context of a team's myth?

Stegich argues that the size of the team does not affect the importance of having a shared myth or mission. Whether you're leading a small team or a large organization, having a clear, aligned purpose is essential for success. The myth and mission are equally impactful at all scales.

What steps should leaders take to ensure their team's mission remains relevant?

Leaders should periodically revisit the mission and values to ensure they remain valid and aligned with the team's goals. They should also continue to communicate the mission regularly, find new overlaps with clients or team members, and repeat the process to reinforce clarity and purpose.