Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

The art and wisdom of changing teams | Heidi Helfand (author of Dynamic Reteaming)

Jan 18, 2024

Heidi Helfand, author of Dynamic Reteaming, shares her expertise on organizational changes. She discusses the art of reteaming, emphasizing its benefits and outlining five effective patterns. With insights from her 20+ years in tech, Heidi shares successful real-life examples and the importance of stable, dynamic teams. She also introduces the RIDE framework for decision-making and offers practical listening techniques to improve communication. Plus, she highlights the challenges of mini startups within larger firms and the importance of fostering connections during team transitions.

01:10:20

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Heidi Helfand

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Quick takeaways

The five patterns of reteaming: one by one, grow and split, merging, isolation, and switching provide different ways teams can change and evolve.

Embracing change and reorgs within teams can foster innovation, improve team dynamics, and create opportunities for learning and fulfillment.

Isolating teams and allowing them to work independently can lead to successful outcomes and foster innovation.

Deep dives

Different patterns of re-teaming

In this podcast episode, Heidi Hellfand discusses the five types of re-teaming that occur within teams: one-by-one, growing and splitting, merging, isolation, and switching. Each pattern represents a different way teams change and evolve. For example, one-by-one refers to the addition or departure of individual team members. Growing and splitting is when a team expands and then divides into multiple smaller teams. Merging occurs when two or more teams come together, often due to downsizing. Isolation involves creating a separate team to focus on specific projects or problem-solving. Lastly, switching involves team members moving from one team to another, providing opportunities for growth, learning, and fresh perspectives.

Patterns of Re-teaming and the Importance of Time Boxing

02:10

Team Dynamics and Switching Patterns

01:20

Emphasizing Team Redundancy and Pair Switching for Knowledge Transfer

00:36

Embracing Change and Transparent Communication during Reorganizations

02:18

Intro

3min

Embracing Change: The Wisdom of Reteaming

2min

Navigating Team Dynamics and Reteaming

27min

The Dynamics of Mini Startups: Success and Challenges

2min

Navigating Team Dynamics and Change

24min

Mastering the Art of Listening: Levels and Techniques

2min

Insights on Leadership, Vintage Finds, and Self-Care

10min

Heidi Helfand is the author of Dynamic Reteaming, which outlines practical strategies for orchestrating successful team and company org changes. Her work is informed by more than 20 years in the tech industry at notable companies like AppFolio, Procore, and Expertcity/GoToMeeting. Today, she dedicates her efforts to sharing her knowledge through workshops, comprehensive courses, and consultative services, helping organizations navigate and optimize their team structures. In this episode, we discuss:

• The importance of reteaming and reorging

• The benefits of embracing reteaming

• The five patterns of reteaming: one by one, grow and split, merging, isolation, and switching

• Examples of successful reteaming

• Why stable teams are not always ideal

• How change can lead to great career opportunities

• The RIDE framework for decision-making

• Advice on how to set up isolated teams for success

• The anti-patterns of reteaming and the challenges that can arise

• Tactical tips for becoming a better listener

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