017 - Frieda Möcker - Implementing Product Led People Ops + Building a Company Behaving Awesomely
Dec 6, 2023
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Frieda Möcker, an expert in Product Led People Ops and positive company culture, discusses her transition to leadership and the insecurities that came with it. She emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and effective communication in managing teams. Frieda also introduces the concept of 'Company Behaving Awesome,' focusing on collaboration and inclusivity in enhancing employee experiences. The conversation touches on the ethical dilemmas in HR and how product-led approaches can drive better outcomes in people operations.
Co-creating a vision in people operations enhances employee commitment and team dynamics through collaborative ownership and shared goals.
Transitioning from individual contributor to leader requires effective delegation and a supportive approach to empower team members creatively.
Implementing product-led strategies in people operations allows organizations to address employee needs, fostering adaptability and continuous improvement in processes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Co-Creation in People Ops
Co-creating a vision and mission in people operations is crucial for fostering a positive work culture. The process encourages team members to contribute their ideas and insights, creating a sense of ownership and alignment within the team. For instance, by actively involving team members in discussions about priorities and goals, individuals feel empowered and valued, enhancing their commitment to the organization's objectives. This collaborative approach builds a stronger team dynamic as everyone works towards a shared purpose, ultimately leading to improved performance and employee satisfaction.
Navigating the Transition to Leadership
Making the transition from an individual contributor to a leadership position presents significant challenges. New leaders often struggle with delegating effectively and allowing team members to take ownership of their tasks, which can lead to micromanagement. By embracing feedback from their teams and recognizing the need for a shift in leadership style, leaders can develop a more supportive and empowering approach. This transition emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where team members feel confident to share ideas and take initiative, ultimately bolstering team performance.
Creating a Culture of Feedback
Establishing a strong feedback culture within a team is vital for continuous improvement and growth. Regular feedback sessions, such as biannual 360-degree reviews, provide opportunities for individuals to receive insights from multiple perspectives, fostering a culture of transparency. Encouraging immediate, situational feedback helps to address issues promptly, improving both individual and team dynamics. By normalizing feedback conversations, organizations can create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable engaging in constructive discussions that drive personal and professional development.
Adopting Product-Led Approaches in People Ops
Implementing product-led strategies in people operations can significantly enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience. By viewing employee experience through the lens of a product, teams can identify pain points and develop solutions tailored to their specific needs. Adopting methods such as biweekly sprints and retrospectives fosters accountability and collaboration while allowing teams to iterate on their processes continuously. This approach empowers people teams to remain agile and responsive, ensuring they can meet the evolving demands of their organization.
Balancing Commercial Needs with Human-Centric Values
Striking a balance between commercial objectives and human-centric values is essential for sustainable growth. Organizations must recognize that making ethical decisions, even if they incur short-term costs, can lead to long-term benefits through enhanced employee loyalty and advocacy. For example, designing offboarding processes that prioritize compassion can transform former employees into brand advocates, positively impacting the organization's reputation. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of business decisions and human relationships, ultimately leading to a healthier workplace culture.
How Frieda got past her biggest bottle neck... Herself!
Finding confidence as a Leader
Getting started with Product Led People Ops
Co-creating a PX vision: Company Behaving Awesomely
If you are just starting out as a first time Head of People OR first time People Manager, this was such a refreshing conversation.
It's REALLY hard to transition from an individual contributor role to managing people. Most of us struggle with it, I know I did!
I have spend a lot time with Frieda over the last few months and have always been struck by her bias for action and conviction in her work. It was interesting (and comforting) to hear that this didn't come naturally to Frieda either, it's something she has actively worked on following some tough feedback!
Frieda also shares how she is co-creating the vision and ways of working with her time to switch from traditional HR to Product Led People OPs, so if you are also curious about how to get started with that, you will love this chat!
As always, I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope that you do too!
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