Build Effective Teams
To forge an effective high-performing team, I leveraged my expertise in leadership, communication, and change management. This is both at the individual and team levels, which ultimately transformed a disjointed group into a cohesive, collaborative unit.
Maturing and growing a team
Effective resource management via well-crafted job roles and fostered team success, leveraging individual and team strengths. Collaborative opportunities led to stronger teams.
Effective Coaching of Project Teams
My coaching and mentoring empowers diverse UX/BA teams. I guided individuals to excel, consistently delivering projects on time while propelling their careers forward.
Repeatable Operating Models
Developed a standardised target operating model (TOM) for their digital channel, resolving inconsistencies through clear governance, capabilities, and processes.
Maturing and growing a team at Thankyou Payroll
Team Effectiveness
In 2021, the Product Team suffered from a lack of strategic alignment, communication silos, and a general sense of disengagement. Team members functioned independently, leading to inconsistent messaging and missed opportunities.
I led several activities that led to a high-performing effective team. One of which was to coach for a growth mindset. Cross-pollination of ideas during team meetings encouraged learning. Regular retrospectives within psychological safety promoted open communication and a drive for improvements. External learning opportunities broadened perspectives and encouraged curiousity.
These initiatives led to more collaboration beyond the product team, where continuous improvement and cohesive decision-making is a norm. Overall, team satisfaction soared by 87.5%.
Team Effeciveness Framework adapted from Tannenbaum et al 1992
Example retrospective with the business
Job Design
Target team roles and capabilities
Example of UX Designer Seniority Levels
Underutilised employees and frequent context switching hampered efficiencies. Reactivity to issues led to ineffective problem-solving.
One of the implemented approaches in creating focus is through skill-building and specialisation. I introduced a dedicated Quality Assurance function and upskilling initiatives to address skill gaps in UX, Business Analysis and Software Development.
We balanced specialisation with project variety to keep employees motivated. Furthermore, I fostered a culture of psychological safety, encouraging employees to experiment and learn from mistakes.
The result is a highly motivated workforce with a clear career progression.
Effective Coaching in Project Teams at Merkle
Leading diverse UX/BA consultants isn't just about projects – it's about empowering them to excel. I’ve learned that clarity is king. Comprehensive overviews, clear problem statements, detailed tasks, and clear methodologies ensure everyone’s on the same page.
But knowledge alone isn’t enough. I take a collaborative mentorship approach. We learn together - clear overviews paired with hands-on guidance. Open learning has fostered collaborations, empowered individuals to grow - many achieving impressive career advancements.
This coaching and mentoring approach has yielded impressive results. Projects were delivered on time, exceeding client expectations. More importantly, the team thrived.
Inland Revenue’s
Digital Operating Models
This project addressed the challenges of IRD's digital channel by establishing a standardised Target Operating Model. Collaborating with IRD’s Digital Channel and Accenture, we developed a repeatable model which can be used across digital deliveries.
I played a key role in stakeholder engagement, process and capability mapping, governance framework development, and model design to resolve critical issues and inefficiencies. With a satisfied customer, I proved that I am able to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and deliver strategic solutions for large organisations.
Foundation for target operating model
Contact
Let’s cook up products with plenty of courage, slices of ideas and pottles of collaboration
MP
Merissa Parkinson
Phone
+ (64) 27 617 0826