People Management at Avanade
Role: Experience Design Manager
Background:
In my role as Experience Design Manager at Avanade, a key challenge was keeping individuals engaged and aligning individual career trajectories with the company's strategic goals. I followed a leadership approach that would support personal development while meeting Avanade's vision.
Objectives:
To guide team members towards achieving personal growth and professional promotions.
To facilitate the management of a geographically dispersed team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across different time zones.
To maintain high team morale and manage the complexities of client-related challenges.
My Role:
As a People Manager, my role extended beyond the conventional duties of oversight. I was responsible for nurturing my team's professional development, advocating for their career progression, and steering them through various client and career challenges.
Actions:
Developed personalised plans with team members to define and reach their career goals.
Created detailed business cases for promotions, aligning individual achievements with Avanade’s strategic direction.
Conducted sensitive and difficult conversations, providing support and mentorship during professional lows.
Managed a diverse team of onshore and remote staff across multiple time zones, fostering a culture of inclusivity and open communication.
Encouraged staff to engage in activities outside their comfort zones to build their professional profiles.
Results:
Secured promotions for team members by linking their growth to the company’s objectives.
Managed team dynamics effectively, leading to enhanced engagement and a supportive work environment.
Provided tools and guidance for overcoming client-related obstacles, leading to stronger client relationships and improved project outcomes.
Observed a marked increase in team members contributing to UX thought leadership, enhancing Avanade's industry reputation.
Conclusion:
The leadership and people management strategies implemented reflected a deep understanding of the nuances in managing a dispersed team. By focusing on individual empowerment and aligning it with the company's goals, I led the team to not only adapt to the challenges of remote collaboration but also to excel in their respective careers.