Stop Managing, Start Leading | Hamza Khan | TEDxRyersonU

Summary

Hamza, born in 1987, shares his journey from being a non-conformist employee to a 'horrible' boss who rejects traditional management styles. He advocates for a Theory Y approach, emphasizing trust, autonomy, and co-creation, which he believes fosters a more productive and fulfilled workforce. Drawing inspiration from Jay-Z's leadership, Hamza encourages managers to lead, not just manage, allowing teams to achieve self-actualization and deliver outstanding work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hamza, born in 1987, identifies as a horrible boss due to his resistance to traditional workplace rules and his past as a non-conforming employee.
• 🎧 His love for hip-hop and the influence of artists like Jay-Z have shaped his management philosophy, emphasizing individuality and empowerment.
• 🕒 Hamza's experience with traditional 9-to-5 work schedules clashed with his work style, leading to a memorable confrontation over tardiness and a subsequent decision to quit.
• 🚀 He challenges the relevance of the Industrial Revolution-era management practices in today's knowledge-based, creative economy.
• 🌐 Recognizing the global workforce's shift towards Generation Y, Hamza discusses the need for a new managerial approach that values innovation, resourcefulness, and agility.
• 🏢 He advocates for a Theory Y management style, which trusts employees' ambition and self-motivation, contrasting with the controlling Theory X.
• 🌱 Hamza's leadership approach involves providing trust, autonomy, and a conducive environment for his teams to achieve self-actualization and produce excellent work.
• 🤝 He believes in co-creation and building a community-like workplace where people can bring their whole selves to work, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity.
• 🏆 Success is measured not just by awards and client achievements but also by the personal and professional growth of the team members.
• 🌟 The script concludes with a call to action for managers to transition from traditional management to leadership, focusing on outcomes and the holistic development of the next generation.

Q & A

What are the three things the speaker, Hamza, wants the audience to know about him?

Hamza wants the audience to know that he was born in 1987, he loves hip-hop, and he considers himself a horrible boss.

Why does Hamza feel he was a horrible employee in traditional workplaces?

Hamza feels he was a horrible employee because he never completely cooperated with the rules of traditional workplaces and couldn't adapt to the 9 to 5 work schedule.

What was Hamza's reaction when his boss confronted him about being late to work?

Hamza reacted sarcastically to his boss, questioning the relevance of the stock market opening to his work as a graphic designer, and then decided to quit his job.

How did Hamza spend his last two weeks at his job after deciding to quit?

Hamza spent his last two weeks showing up early and watching movies at his desk for eight hours a day, leaving at 5:00 p.m. sharp.

What generation does Hamza belong to and what are some criticisms of this generation?

Hamza belongs to Generation Y, which has been criticized as entitled, lazy, disloyal, unmotivated, and selfish.

How does Hamza describe his work approach and philosophy as a manager?

Hamza describes his management approach as one based on 100% trust, providing his teams with responsibility, goals, and deadlines, and allowing them the freedom to work from anywhere with Wi-Fi.

What is the difference between Theory X and Theory Y management styles as mentioned by Hamza?

Theory X assumes employees are lazy and dislike work, while Theory Y assumes employees are self-motivated, ambitious, and enjoy their work, given the right conditions.

How does Hamza apply the lessons from Jay-Z's management style to his own?

Hamza applies Jay-Z's focus on individuality, empowerment, and creating an environment conducive to success, allowing his team members to manage themselves and providing them with the support they need.

What does Hamza believe is the role of management for the next generation?

Hamza believes the role of management for the next generation is not to manage but to lead, focusing on providing complete and meaningful experiences for both employees and customers.

How does Hamza define his role as a 'horrible boss'?

Hamza defines himself as a 'horrible boss' because he doesn't manage in the traditional sense; instead, he acts as a friend, mentor, comrade, resource, cheerleader, and coach, empowering his teams to succeed.