How to Level Up Your Leadership as an Agency Owner, With Karl Sakas
Jan 10, 2024
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Karl Sakas, agency owner and leadership expert, discusses four stages of agency involvement, clarifying swim lanes for roles and responsibilities, values, goals, and resources for decision-making, developing high-functioning leadership, hiring strategies, trust and feedback, effective communication, the power of meetings, and leadership training.
Defining swim lanes and roles within an agency can improve accountability and streamline operations.
Establishing values, goals, and resources fosters autonomy, aligned decision-making, and continuous improvement within an agency.
Coaching conversations and regular feedback foster growth and development within an agency's team members.
Deep dives
Focus on defining swim lanes
To improve agency operations, it is essential to clearly define swim lanes. This involves determining specific roles and responsibilities for each team member. By defining the six agency roles: account management, project management, subject matter experts, client strategist, business development, and support, agency owners can establish clear boundaries and avoid overlap. Identifying areas of internal friction can also highlight the need for swim lane clarification. By defining swim lanes, agency owners can improve accountability and streamline operations.
Establish values, goals, and resources (VGRs)
Clear communication and decision-making within an agency can be enhanced by establishing values, goals, and resources (VGRs). Agency owners should identify and communicate the agency's values and principles, which influence decision-making and behavior. Additionally, setting clear goals and expectations helps guide team members, ensuring everyone is working towards the same objectives. Agency owners should also provide the necessary resources, such as time, budget, and tools, to enable team members to accomplish their goals. By establishing VGRs, agencies can foster an environment of autonomy, aligned decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Leverage coaching for continuous improvement
Coaching plays a crucial role in improving agency operations and developing team members. By assuming positive intent and asking questions, agency owners can identify areas for improvement and align expectations. Coaching conversations provide an opportunity to address any challenges, clarify swim lanes, and ensure that goals are being met. Setting up regular one-on-one meetings with team members following a structured format, like the 10-10-10 model (10 minutes for employee concerns, 10 minutes for manager concerns, 10 minutes for future planning), allows for open communication and ongoing feedback. By investing time in coaching and providing support, agency owners can foster growth and development within their teams.
Recruit and hire strategically
Strategic recruitment and hiring practices are crucial for building a high-performing team. Agency owners should focus on hiring individuals whose skills and experience align with the agency's values, goals, and resources. Taking the time to define roles and responsibilities before starting the hiring process helps ensure that new hires are the right fit for the agency's needs. Recruitment from within the agency can be prioritized, promoting growth and providing advancement opportunities for existing team members. Hiring externally should be approached with caution, selecting candidates who possess the necessary skills and can contribute to the agency's success. By recruiting and hiring strategically, agencies can build a talented team capable of driving growth and success.
Create a culture of continuous improvement
Developing a culture of continuous improvement is essential for agency success. Agency owners should encourage open communication, foster a positive and supportive environment, and embrace feedback from team members. By valuing and investing in professional development, agencies can cultivate growth and skill enhancement. Regular team meetings and debriefs after client engagements help identify recurring issues and areas for improvement. Agency owners should also lead by example, continuously seeking opportunities for their own growth and learning. With a culture of continuous improvement, agencies can adapt to changes, optimize operations, and achieve long-term success.