A Career With Water, From The Sea to Cells Not Shells With James Edmondson

In this episode, Lee chats with James Edmondson, an experienced and results-oriented Agile leader and systemic team coach, with a reputation for working collaboratively with senior teams in both operational and head office environments. He is a people focussed leader with highly attuned emotional intelligence that enables strong relationships at all levels and also a veteran with over 20 years of experience working collaboratively under pressure and with a character that inspires the very best out of high-performing teams.
Lee and James discuss his ‘water-based’ career, his adaptation of military ‘cell’ structures as a form of team management, the meaning of ‘agile’ in a team context, moving from military to civilian life, and the lessons he has learned in teams and leadership. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• From 20 years in the Navy to his current career with Anglian Water, James has always specialised in team focus. 
• One of James’ first tasks was dealing with the COVID response which gave him invaluable experience in change management.
• James uses a ‘cell’ system model which he learned from the Navy in his team-leading strategy. 
• James is now a certified team coach after training in the field.
• The idea of an all-powerful, super-efficient, singular leader is a myth.
• Get rid of the ego, be humble, ask questions and know that you do not know all the answers.

BEST MOMENTS
‘I remember looking into the Navy as a teenager and thinking, goodness me, it’s just like a really good rugby team or really good football team or really good cricket team. They’re always playing together and got focus on an outcome.’-James
‘That cell structure gave us a really cohesive unit. It decentralised leadership to a certain extent. With the way we connected it all together it allowed people to have shared awareness and real clarity on what we were trying to achieve.’-James
‘I started to dig into what ‘agile’ meant and I did a couple of courses.’-James
‘You’ve used the word ‘teams’ a lot and you’ve also used ‘team of teams’. What is it about teams that make you feel the way you do and what is it that makes a great team?’-Lee
‘The notion of a heroic leader or a superman or supergirl just getting things done on their own is nonsense.’-James
‘What makes a great leader? There’s so much to go into here but straight away it’s humility and trust.’-James

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Business Problems Solved Podcast         

ABOUT THE HOST
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194
Lee@leehoughton.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/