Mastering the Art of Delegation with Sabina Nawaz

Sabina Nawaz, a former Microsoft executive and a renowned executive coach

In Episode 251 of The Leadership Project podcast, Mick Spiers was joined by the illustrious Sabina Nawaz, a former Microsoft executive and a renowned executive coach. With a rich career spanning roles like leading programs for Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer and being featured in prestigious publications like the Harvard Business Review, Nawaz brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, along with her upcoming book, "You're the Boss: How to Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need."

A Journey from Lousy Manager to Leadership Mentor

Sabina candidly shared how her journey at Microsoft, particularly a pivotal moment after her parental leave, led her to realize she was a "lousy manager." This brutal truth, juxtaposed against her previously celebrated management style, served as a wake-up call that deeply inspired her book. Her experience highlights a crucial point: the keen difference between managers in various circumstances. Sabina's reverse-engineering of her experience, combined with extensive research from interviews over the years, forms the bedrock of her book.

The Pressure Cooker of Leadership

One of Sabina's key insights is the idea that "power doesn't corrupt, pressure does." Under intense pressure, good intentions can easily go awry, leading to a vicious cycle of micromanagement and deteriorating team morale. Through practical tools like the "delegation dial," Sabina advocates for a gradual, tailored approach to delegation rather than an on-off switch. This allows leaders to adapt their delegation practices based on their team's experience levels and the situation at hand.

Navigating Promotions and Perception

Promotions, while promising, can be perilous by inadvertently highlighting the pitfalls of our strengths. Sabina illustrates how a strength like detail orientation can quickly morph into micromanagement when seen through the eyes of others. Through an "empathy circle," Sabina encourages leaders to evaluate how their traits are perceived across levels, allowing them to adjust and communicate effectively in their new roles.

Breaking Free from Isolation

Power tends to isolate leaders from the truth, creating echo chambers. Sabina shared a personal strategy called "multiple meanings," a tool designed to challenge assumptions and encourage leaders to consider various interpretations of workplace situations. The exercise, effective in both corporate settings and even at home with her kids, prompts leaders to reevaluate their conclusions and fosters a climate of open dialogue and genuine understanding.

Implementing Actionable Strategies

Throughout the dialogue, actionable insights emerged. Leaders should focus on being rather than doing, fostering environments that encourage cognitive and emotional exploration. Creating space for other voices and adopting a reflective approach, as showcased in the multiple meanings exercise, will not only amplify team engagement but also heighten a leader’s self-awareness.

Conclusion

Sabina Nawaz's conversation with Mick Spiers is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to refine their leadership approach. By understanding that "pressure, not power, corrupts" and employing tailored strategies like the delegation dial and multiple meanings exercise, leaders can nurture productive and dynamic environments. As Nawaz prepares for the release of her impactful book, her contributions continue to pave the way for transformative leadership.

Connect with Sabina Nawaz

For those interested in delving deeper, her book is available at major retailers, and she can be followed on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Her website, https://sabinanawaz.com, offers additional resources and tools for those eager to apply these insights in their leadership journey.

Sabina Nawaz's conversation is a reminder that leadership is not just about driving results but also about nurturing relationships and creating an empowering environment. Through honest introspection and adaptive strategies, leaders can transcend challenges and guide their teams with clarity and compassion.