Michele Licciardello's

Leadership Essentials

Leadership 101: First Steps

  • 👋 Introductions

    As a leader or a manager, one of the first and most crucial steps you can take is to deeply understand the dynamics of your team, the stakeholders involved, and the existing processes. This not only sets the stage for efficient teamwork but also lays the foundation for improved processes and enhanced stakeholder relationships. Goal…

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  • 👥 First team meeting

    Entering a new leadership role brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially when it comes to making a positive first impression. Your initial interactions with your team, direct reports, and stakeholders are pivotal in establishing trust, respect, and effective communication. This article guides you through the process of organizing and holding…

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  • 🗓️ The 90 days plan

    Stepping into a leadership role is an exciting journey that begins with the crucial first 90 days. This period is key to building relationships, understanding the business, and setting the foundation for future success. Let’s delve deeper into the dos and don’ts that can guide you through this critical phase and set a positive trajectory…

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  • 🤝 Get your manager’s trust

    In the intricate dance of leadership, earning and maintaining your direct manager’s trust is akin to an art form. This article offers a vivid look at practical strategies to achieve this, blending efficient communication and solid leadership principles with storytelling for a more relatable and engaging approach. Goal Our aim is twofold: secure your manager’s…

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  • 🤿 Dive deep into the processes

    As a leader, it’s essential to understand and assess the processes, tools, and systems your team uses to foster a productive and innovative environment. Diving deep into these helps identifying opportunities for improvement and driving changes that can lead to significant benefits for your team and the organization. Let’s explore how you can effectively analyze…

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  • 🏅 Understanding and mastering your approach

    Now that you’ve met your team, understood your manager’s expectations, and are familiar with the processes, it’s crucial to begin planning your approach. Leadership is a concept that requires adaptation to the specific needs of different situations, teams, and organizational cultures. Different leadership styles can have a significant impact on how a team functions, its…

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  • 🧠 Emotional intelligence

    In the journey of leadership, mastering the art of decision-making, strategy, and technical skills is only part of the equation. The other, equally crucial part is emotional intelligence (EI) – the ability to understand, use, and manage emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. Emotional…

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  • 💡 Improving things up

    The next step in your journey will be process improvement. Now, imagine working in a BNPL company where customer satisfaction is paramount and the customer support department demands constant innovation and efficiency. This narrative unfolds in the bustling corridors of a big fortune 500 firm, where Jordan, the head of customer support, is spearheading a…

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  • 🫂 Turning detractors into supporters

    In the multifaceted realm of leadership, transforming detractors into supporters is a skill that becomes particularly critical in the high-stakes environment of operations management. Consider the case of Alex, an operations manager, who was tasked with implementing a new ticket management system. The objective was to streamline processes and reduce waste, but the initiative was…

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  • 🕊️ Conflict resolution

    Conflict resolution is pivotal in leadership and team management, addressing the inevitability of disagreements in diverse groups. It’s about transforming conflict into a constructive dialogue. Understanding the Roots of Conflict Dive into root causes, such as miscommunication or competing interests. For instance, when two team members argue over resource allocation, a leader can facilitate a…

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  • 🤝🏻 Stakeholders mngmt

    Stakeholder management is crucial for any project’s success, involving the identification, understanding, and strategic interaction with all parties impacted by the project. Effective management ensures that stakeholders’ needs and concerns are addressed, fostering support and minimising resistance. Identify: Begin by mapping out everyone who has a stake in your project’s outcome, from team members and…

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