I am a seasoned manager and all I can say is that if you're operating on Zone 4 or Zone 5 at any time, your directors, or manager, or lead did poorly on the planning phase and managing the expectations with the stakeholders.
You should never operate on those areas and it will burn out the team.
I think that in startups, that’s a naive approach. There are very often unexpected circumstances and reality you cannot be ready for no matter how good are you planning.
Great call out. I plan to share my thoughts on the Tuckman model (recently finished the 5th adjourning stage with my team and moved on). Fully agree about being mindful about the stage you are at, and what challenges does it bring.
I am a seasoned manager and all I can say is that if you're operating on Zone 4 or Zone 5 at any time, your directors, or manager, or lead did poorly on the planning phase and managing the expectations with the stakeholders.
You should never operate on those areas and it will burn out the team.
I think that in startups, that’s a naive approach. There are very often unexpected circumstances and reality you cannot be ready for no matter how good are you planning.
Nice break-down! I specifically like the parallel you draw with the heart-rate zones.
Mindful Management plays an important role - in impacting the zone in which the team(s) are operating.
And when it comes to management, I wish to call out another aspect of team that impacts the team morale/ vibes!
The STAGE of team (Tuckman Model) - forming, storming, norming, performing.
Being mindful about which zone your team is, and which stage your team is - Is a key for management success!
e.g. A team in forming/ storming & in Zone 4/5 will be challenging. And calls for great management skills!
And once the team has moved to performing, the STAGE related challenges are over!
Then it’s about being mindful of what ZONE the team is, and managing that ZONE effectively!
Great call out. I plan to share my thoughts on the Tuckman model (recently finished the 5th adjourning stage with my team and moved on). Fully agree about being mindful about the stage you are at, and what challenges does it bring.
That's great - Would love to checkout your thoughts!
Just thinking aloud - How about creating a Matrix of "Stages x Zones".
Putting the challanges in each box, and pinning the best-practices!
What do you think @Anton Zaides?
PS:
I missed to mention the 5th stage (adjourning)!
Replied in daily dev :)
I really like the comparison to heart rate zones. A great reminder that teams need to switch gears to stay effective and avoid burnout.
Thank you!