Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

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

Jan 18, 2024

01:10:20

Snipd AI

Heidi Helfand, author of Dynamic Reteaming, discusses the importance of reteaming and reorging, benefits of embracing reteaming, successful examples of reteaming, and why stable teams are not always ideal. She also shares the RIDE framework for decision-making, advice on setting up isolated teams for success, and tactical tips for becoming a better listener.

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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

00:58

Emphasizing Team Redundancy and Pair Switching for Knowledge Transfer

00:36

Building Shared History and Vision in Merged Teams

01:29

Challenges with re-teaming and spreading high performers

02:16

Introduction

4min

Embracing Dynamic Team Change and Re-Orgs

2min

Building Successful Teams and Organizations

27min

Creating Successful Startup-like Teams within Companies

2min

Navigating the One-by-One Pattern of Changing Teams

24min

The Importance of Being a Good Listener

7min

Practicing Self-care and Creating Fun in Teams

5min

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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