In the latest episode of Sunny’s Silver Linings podcast, IT By Design CEO Sunny Kaila welcomed Max Kaplan, the Director of Engineering at Machado Consulting, Inc. This engaging conversation shed light on the importance of a people-first culture in businesses and how leveraging the right tools could transform team dynamics. Below are the key insights from their discussion.
Embracing a Partnership Mindset
Sunny began by expressing his appreciation for the partnership between IT By Design and Machado Consulting, Inc. This set the tone for the conversation, highlighting the significance of teamwork and mutual goals in fostering successful collaborations. Max echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how like-minded conversations and shared objectives drove both companies forward.
Overcoming Challenges with Team GPS
Max introduced himself and Machado Consulting, detailing their structure and client base. He then dove into the challenges they faced before adopting IT By Design’s talent operating system, Team GPS. These challenges included unstructured one-to-one meetings, lack of peer recognition and inefficient KPI tracking. Team GPS provided solutions by offering a scalable platform to manage goals, recognize achievements, and streamline meetings.
Transforming Goal Setting
Max explained that prior to Team GPS, goal setting at Machado Consulting was limited and unstructured, often confined to spreadsheets. This lack of scalability hindered their progress. With Team GPS, goals were clearly defined, broken into tasks and tracked across all levels of the organization. This clarity ensured that everyone, from directors to tier-one technicians, knew what was expected and could measure their success.
Enhancing Peer Recognition
The conversation moved to the importance of peer recognition. Max shared that previously, recognition was mainly manager-driven and sporadic. Team GPS introduced a system where peers could recognize each other’s contributions, boosting morale and camaraderie. This peer-to-peer recognition system led to higher engagement and a more supportive work environment, ultimately benefiting their clients.
Streamlining One-to-One Meetings
One-to-one meetings were crucial for accountability and support within teams. Max discussed how Team GPS had formalized these meetings at every level, ensuring they were consistently scheduled and structured. These meetings provided a safe space for employees to discuss their challenges, seek help and stay engaged. The templated questions and tracking features of Team GPS helped managers and employees maintain productive and meaningful conversations.
The Power of Clarity and Accountability
Sunny emphasized the importance of clarity in leadership. Clear goals and expectations were key to driving business success. Team GPS facilitated this by providing a transparent platform where business goals were aligned with team objectives. This clarity helped employees understand how their work contributed to the larger picture, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.
Final Thoughts
Max concluded with a strong endorsement of Team GPS, highlighting its impact on their organizational efficiency and culture. He encouraged other businesses to adopt similar tools to manage their teams effectively. Sunny expressed his gratitude for the partnership and looked forward to continued success together.
In summary, this episode of Sunny’s Silver Linings highlighted the importance of a people-first culture and the transformative power of the right tools. By prioritizing clear communication, structured goal setting and peer recognition, your business could also foster a more engaged and productive workforce.
