Leadership

Where do you draw the line between strategy (the what) and tactics (the how)? In other words, when is it ok for the team lead to be involved in the implementation of a decision? And when is it ok for team members to say: “Stop. Our job. We know how to proceed from here”?

Who is, and is not, involved in strategy formulation, including making the big decisions? Although this is sensitive, you need address it openly.

And what about strategy modification, in the sense of making changes “on the ground”, during implementation, without first getting permission from the team lead? In other words, when can and should team members make decisions independent of the team lead?

How do you as team lead and team members communicate? Literally: when, how, and about what do you communicate with each other? From spontaneous interactions, to one-on-one phone calls, to staff meetings, to project- or task-based reporting.

In your business culture, name three qualities a team-lead must have.

You and your other German colleagues have a new boss, Susan Steel. Some of you know of Susan, a few have met her at company conferences, but none have worked directly with or for her. Next week Susan arrives in Germany as a long-term delegate and to begin her work. Because she wants to quickly get oriented, Susan has invited each of her German direct reports for a one-to-one talk. She would like to understand the expectations of her as the team lead, but also communicate her views about the optimal working relationship between team lead and team.

You are German and one of Susan’s direct reports in Germany. You want to help her understand what makes for an optimal working relationship between a team lead and team in the German context. What do you say to Susan?

You are American and the scenario is the opposite. Your new boss is Anja, who has just arrived in the U.S. You want to help Anja understand what makes for an optimal working relationship between a team lead and team in the American context. What do you say to Anja?

If you are neither American nor German. Your new manager is from either Germany or the U.S. What do you say to your new boss about what makes for an optimal working relationship between a team lead and team in your business culture?