Essential Leadership Principles for Product and IT Leaders: Building Trust and Influence

There are many aspects of Product and/or IT Leadership to take on board as you grow in your career.  This article will look at some fundamental leadership aspects together with establishing a working environment with your team where they can realise their potential.

Building trust, a leader’s imperative

As a leader, establishing trust with your team members, both individually and collectively, is essential.  Trust forms the bedrock of successful teamwork and it requires consistent effort.  As a leader, you must forge trust through deliberate actions, spoken words and even the unspoken cues you emit.  John C. Maxwell, aptly captures this essence:

 “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”

Trust isn’t bestowed - it’s cultivated.  Trust grows with consistency over time.  Every day lead by example, communicate openly and honour your commitments.  In doing so you will foster a team that thrives on trust, collaboration and shared success.

Leadership Beyond Titles

Leadership is not solely about your position or title.  Yes, you may be a leader by role designation but if you are only able to build your team momentum through coercion because you are ‘in charge’ then you are unlikely to succeed in the long term.  Coercion is a short term strategy as it will quickly erode any trust gained and quite quickly create a team who works against you, not with you.

At its essence, leadership is about influence.  True leaders recognise that their impact extends far beyond their official roles.  Whether you’re a Product Leader, a Technical Leader or any other type of leader, your ability to influence is what truly matters.

Pillars of Influential Leadership

• Integrity: the cornerstone

  As a leader, you are being constantly observed in what you say and what you do.  If you are consistently walking your talk, i.e. your actions are a reflection of what you say, you will start to gain credibility and trust with those around you who share your convictions.  Guard your integrity fiercely, it is your most valuable asset and it is non-negotiable.

• Relationships: the art of connection

  Leadership thrives on relationships.  Invest time in getting to know your team members.  Understand their aspirations, fears and motivations.  Authentic connections foster loyalty and commitment.  Keep in mind, it is not just about what you achieve; it is about how you uplift those around you.

• Belief: in yourself and others

  Believe in your abilities.  Equally crucial is believing in others. Encourage their potential, celebrate their wins and provide constructive feedback.  When you believe in your team, they will rise to meet your expectations.  Confidence is contagious, spread it liberally.

• Listening: to what is said and left unsaid

  Leaders who listen actively and observe keenly gain valuable insights.  Active listening requires you to fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said.  Active listening is not just about hearing the words, it is also about noticing the tone and pace of what is being said.   Additionally, understand the unspoken cues: the body language, the hesitations and the nuances of the speaker so as to truly grasp the full message being conveyed. By truly hearing your team, you can tailor your approach, address concerns and foster collaboration.

• Awareness of context and environment

  Leadership doesn’t exist in a vacuum.  Context matters.  Consider external factors: the industry landscape, organisational culture and team dynamics.  Adapt your strategies accordingly.  A leader who grasps context can navigate challenges effectively.

• Nurturing growth

  Great leaders are growth catalysts.  Celebrate successes but also nurture failures as learning opportunities.  Invest in your team’s development.  When they thrive, so does the entire organisation.

  
  

Building a Positive Work Environment

As a leader, you shape the work environment.  Build an environment where people want to be.  The following are some basics to start with.

• Start and end the day with a personal touch. Simple greetings matter.  Begin your day by saying “good morning” to your team members.  It sets a positive tone and shows that you value their presence.  Similarly, as the day winds down, take a moment to wish them a “good night.”  As you are about to leave/switch off at the end of a work day, have a look at who may still be working or be online.  Reach out to them to make sure they are ok, figure out if they are stuck or need help.  You will be surprised at how small gestures can foster camaraderie and create a warm working atmosphere.

• Be punctual and respect other people’s time. Be prompt to meetings.  Time is a precious resource and respecting others’ time demonstrates professionalism.  If you are leading a meeting, start on time and stick to the agenda.  Avoid unnecessary delays.

• Set realistic expectations: balance ambition and feasibility. Set achievable goals. Unrealistic expectations lead to stress and burnout. Understand the team’s capacity, project complexity and external constraints. Communicate transparently about what is feasible.

  Before assigning work activities:

  • Ask yourself, “Would I be willing to do this myself?” If the answer is yes, it is likely a fair request for your team members.

  • Reflect on whether you have personally tackled the task before.  If so, leverage your experience to guide your team.

  • Sometimes you need to be more than an observer.  Consider actively assisting your team members through supporting activities (versus micro managing). 

• Uphold commitments. When you promise something, deliver.  Whether the promise is in meeting deadlines, addressing concerns or supporting team members, if you commit to a course of action, follow through.

• Cultivate a learning culture. Encourage continuous learning.  Provide resources, workshops and opportunities for skill development. Celebrate curiosity and experimentation.  When team members learn, the entire organisation benefits.

• Fearless exploration: turning failure into growth. Embrace failure as a stepping stone.  Fear of failure stifles innovation.  Encourage risk-taking.  When mistakes happen, view them as learning opportunities.  Discuss what went wrong and how to improve.

Nurturing leadership for lasting impact

This short article delves into the expansive realm of leadership, drawing from my personal experiences.  I’ve outlined key facets that have shaped my understanding of effective leadership.  As you embark on your own leadership journey, consider these fundamental tenets: operate with integrity, build trust, grow your circle of influence and establish a positive working environment.  These are all practical takeaways that can transform your approach.  By focusing on your own potential and nurturing the potential of those around you, you contribute to a legacy of collaborative success that reverberates far beyond the confines of your workspace.