survivor guide: leading in difficult times · storage industry it is your responsibility to ensure...

Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times

Harriet W. Pea, Senior DirectorGlobal Storage Technology Service Center

Sun MicrosystemsOctober 15, 2007

2Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult TimesDuring her 23 years of IT/Technology Industry experience, Harriet has successfully navigated through several mergers/acquisitions and numerous rounds of downsizing. Through it all she has gained tremendous insight into what makes particular individuals and leaders successful in challenging situations. If you are in a leadership role in the IT or Storage industry it is your responsibility to ensure your organization's success in times of change. This session will provide practical tips and guidance on how to make sure you, and your organization are able to navigate change and thrive in difficult times.

Abstract

3Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Agenda

IntroductionLearnings Response TypesThe Leadership Role Talking to your StaffFirst Aid

On-going Health CareFor YouFor Your CareerSummary and Q&ASNIA Legal Notice

4Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Introduction

Harriet's Story - “Through the Ringer”“You can't thrive during these times, ...can you?”Why Try?

5Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Learnings

Management training on how to handle difficult times is often lackingPeople will respond from basic instinct unless they are taught differentlyThe good, the bad, and the ugly - Magnification of ethics and moralsSymbolism matters - Don’t underestimate perceptionsError on the side of action

6Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Response Types

The VictimSelf-fulfilling prophecy.

The ChildI got a problem …Fix it for me.

The DriverMy problem...My solution / My decision.

People will respond from instinct unless taught differently

7Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Your Role as a Leader

Leading the WayVision and MissionCommunication

Setting the ToneExpectations - What's Acceptable, What's Not

EducatingHow to RespondSelf Help

CounsellingListen & Direct

Managing SymbolismPay close attention to how you look & interact

8Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

How to Talk to Your Staff

Be as open as possibleDon't avoid your staff or the topicFind the balanceDiscuss possible responsesClarify acceptable responses

Don't trivialize the impactDiscuss emotionsPaint a realistic pictureDon't give answers you don't have

9Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Immediate First Aid

Be visible and accessibleSpend time with survivors

Allow some venting to occurDenial, Anger, and Depression

Return the focus on the businessClear direction and job expectations

Give back the power where ever possibleNew structure development, input on key decisions

Continue to “Lead”They will be watching – lead by example, and do what you say

10Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

On-going Health Care

Strengthen the Company vision and directionReward entrepreneurial thinkingEnhance the word "Growth" in your vocabularyCommunicate, Communicate, CommunicateCommit to offering regular opportunities for employees to add to their marketable credentialsContinue to “Lead”

11Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

For You

Realize that this has happened to you tooPay attention to signs of stressFind ways to de-stressGive yourself some mental time-offFind a ConfidantForgive Yourself

12Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

For Your Career

Think of yourself as an EntrepreneurDevelop a vision/mission statementKeep your resume up to dateIdentify concerns and have a backup planTake personal responsibility for keeping your skills up to dateGive and get supportKeep your options open

13Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Summary

IntroductionLearnings Response TypesThe Leadership Role Talking to your StaffFirst Aid

On-going Health CareFor YouFor Your Career

14Survivor Guide: Leading in Difficult Times© 2007 Storage Networking Industry Association. All Rights Reserved.

Q&A / Feedback

Please send any questions or comments on this presentation to SNIA: trackprodev@snia.org