As anyone who has run a successful company will attest, although we work in the technology industry, it’s people that make success, not just technology. The human aspect of the ‘solution’ is the most important part. A solution architect can bring brilliant technological solutions to a dysfunctional team or to dysfunctional people, and it just won’t deliver business success. Of course the reverse is also true, but to a lesser extent. A rocking team of rocking people can do quite a bit with dysfunctional technology. The ‘win’ is when we get rocking technology with a rocking team of rocking people. That’s the goal. Technology needs to be the servant of the people. Humans need purpose, respect and freedom to grow – and even freedom to fail…safely
I am reminded of this as my annual obsession with Formula 1 gets underway tomorrow. Adrian Newey, the 52 year old ‘rock star’ chassis designer, who is arguably the central piece in the phenomenal rise and success for the Red Bull racing team said something very telling in an interview quoted by the BBC: “I’ve had offers from Ferrari in the past and I’ve considered them seriously. But F1 is a people sport, not a marque sport.” Ferrari, of course, is the ultimate brand in Formula 1 and fast cars in general. Their technology is stunning (including their SharePoint based web site!). However, they do not have a great reputation in the human department. Red Bull understand how to let brilliant people work, and the technology enables that. The result is a loyalty and ‘culture of success’ that transcends share-price and bottom line revenues. They follow, to be sure.
How about your business – your team? Are your ‘A’ players allowed to grow and stretch themselves, safe from micromanagement and judgement when they fail? Reward innovation, loyalty and hard work with a little freedom and technological investment, and the good people will blossom and grow.
