The Pilot Object

Leaders are primarily responsible to create an environment where the people they lead can be successful in pursuit of their objectives. There are many other responsibilities for leaders, to be sure. But, in the dynamic landscape of modern organizations, the role of a leader extends far beyond traditional notions of authority and control. Today, effective leadership is synonymous with creating an environment that empowers and nurtures the growth of a team.

At the heart of successful leadership lies a profound understanding that a team is more than just a collection of individuals; it is a cohesive unit with shared goals and aspirations. In recognizing this, a leader's foremost responsibility becomes the cultivation of an environment that not only acknowledges these objectives but actively facilitates their achievement.

There was a great sense of fulfillment when I could connect a member of a team with work that helps the company toward its objectives AND helps that person in a way they want to develop themselves too. This happened clearly for me when I started as the IT leader at a scale-up SaaS company leading a small team of administrators and analysts.

One critical aspect of fostering a conducive environment is promoting open communication. A leader must establish channels that encourage the free exchange of ideas, concerns, and feedback within the team. By doing so, they create a space where every team member feels heard and valued. This not only enhances camaraderie but also ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the overarching objectives.

Moreover, a leader must be adept at understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member. This personalized approach allows for the strategic allocation of tasks based on individual skills, maximizing productivity and job satisfaction. When team members feel that their unique talents are recognized and utilized, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to pursue their objectives with passion.

After 2-3 introductory 1:1s with each member of the team and initial glimmers of trust were established, there was a sense of safety to share professional goals and personal context that energizes a team leader and coach to engage. One shared their interest in evolving from a Salesforce admin to a developer. We identified an item in the team backlog that would be a vehicle for them to expand their knowledge and capabilities while solving a real problem for the requesting team.

In addition to recognizing individual strengths, a leader must foster a culture of continuous learning. This involves providing opportunities for professional development and creating an atmosphere where mistakes are viewed as valuable learning experiences rather than failures. Such an environment promotes innovation and resilience, crucial elements for a team aiming to achieve its objectives in an ever-evolving landscape.

Although this admin’s first stretch assignment didn’t require developing any code, it expanded their view of what was possible with configuration access they already had. They created a very useful junction object called ‘Pilot’. It allowed for the sales, marketing, product, support & success teams to define and create a Pilot with stated objectives and terms. Then, many other objects/entities could be associated or enrolled into the Pilot: Accounts, Products, Contacts, Opportunities, Cases, etc.

This experience gave them the confidence and feedback from colleagues that bolstered their resolve to pursue their goal of becoming a Salesforce developer, which they successfully did the next year. Their personal development created a useful digital asset for the company, a new job family for the team, and a new professional certification for themselves.

A leader plays a pivotal role in establishing a sense of purpose within the team. By articulating a compelling vision and aligning it with the individual aspirations of team members, a leader provides a collective goal that inspires and unifies. This shared purpose acts as a guiding force, steering the team towards success and instilling a sense of pride in their accomplishments.