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  • Beau Schwieso

Keys To Leading in Tech

Being a leader in technology is about understanding people, business processes, and the broader context. It's about balancing technical skills with business acumen, communicating effectively, and providing simple solutions to complex problems. By embodying these qualities, leaders can make a significant impact, driving both technological and business success.



“Leadership isn’t about being the best;

it’s about making everyone else better.”



In the dynamic world of Dynamics 365, effective leadership transcends technical know-how. It's about understanding the intricate dance between technology and business needs and leading with a blend of insight, empathy, and simplicity. Great leaders in the D365 ecosystem don't just focus on the system. They understand the business context, listen to their teams, and provide simple solutions to complex problems. Let's explore how these leaders navigate their roles with grace and make a lasting impact.


Understanding Business Context

Imagine this: You're a chef about to prepare a meal for a large group. Do you start cooking without knowing their dietary preferences or the ingredients at hand? Of course not.



"Similarly, in the D365 world, leaders must understand the business landscape before making any changes to the system."




This means diving deep into the company's processes, challenges, and goals. When you grasp the business context, you can tailor your solutions to meet actual needs rather than imposing technical changes that might not align with business objectives. This approach ensures that the solutions you implement are not only technically sound but also relevant and beneficial to the organization.


Balancing Technical and Business Skills

A great Dynamics 365 leader is like a superhero with dual powers: technical expertise and business acumen. Take, for instance, implementing a new financial module in D365. It's not just about configuring the system correctly.



"These leaders bridge the gap between IT and business, ensuring that both sides speak the same language and work towards common goals."



It's also about understanding the financial workflows, compliance requirements, and how the new module will impact various departments. By balancing technical skills with business understanding, leaders can create solutions that are robust, compliant, and user-friendly.


Empathy and Communication

Leadership in D365 isn't just about directing; it's about connecting. Empathy and strong communication skills are crucial. Great leaders listen to their teams and stakeholders, understanding their needs, concerns, and ideas.



"WTF - What's The Fear"



Consider a scenario where a new feature rollout faces resistance from end-users. An empathetic leader will take the time to understand the reasons behind the resistance, address the concerns, and communicate the benefits effectively. This not only helps in smoother transitions but also builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment.


Simple Solutions for Complex Problems


"The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to simplify complex problems and provide elegant, easy-to-implement solutions."




In the world of D365, complexity is a given and whenever we're faced with a labyrinthine issue, we don’t just dive into the technical depths. Instead, we step back, understand the core problem, and find the simplest path to a solution. It's easy to throw a solution together and not understand the sustainability and supportability aspects of things. It takes a true senior leader to find a solution that enables clarity and supports ease of adoption. This approach not only saves time and resources but also makes the solution more sustainable and user-friendly.


Continuous Learning and Adaptability

The tech world is ever-evolving, and Dynamics 365 is no exception. To stay ahead, leaders must continuously learn and adapt. This means keeping up with the latest updates, trends, and best practices in D365 and beyond.


By fostering a culture of continuous learning, leaders ensure that their teams remain innovative and capable of handling new challenges.



“Stay curious, stay relevant.”



Grace (not just my daughter's name) Under Pressure

Finally, great leaders maintain their composure and grace under pressure. I usually say a lot in this context that people match their leader's energy. So, if you're chaotic, they're chaotic, if you're calm, they're mostly calm. In the fast-paced environment of D365 implementations, challenges and crises are inevitable. How a leader handles these situations can make or break a project.


Grace under pressure means staying calm, making informed decisions, and guiding the team with confidence and clarity.



"It’s about being the steady hand that navigates the ship through stormy waters."



Obligatory Dad Joke

Why did the D365 consultant bring a ladder to the office? Because they wanted to take their skills to the next level!



Until next time,

DynamicsDad



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