Dallas SWE kicked off the new fiscal year with an insightful Ask-A-Manager panel event featuring three accomplished leaders from Collins Aerospace: Jamese Hamilton, Nichole McCown, MBA, and Shauna Pierce. Hosted on September 19th at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Plano, this interactive session provided attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and learn from seasoned managers about team leadership, growth, and navigating management challenges.
The panelists shared their thoughts on what it takes to successfully manage a team, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, communication, and active listening. They highlighted the need to treat team members with respect, build trust, and give timely feedback, fostering an open and supportive environment.
One-on-one meetings were discussed as critical to the manager-individual contributor relationship. Panelists suggested keeping these meetings purposeful, setting an agenda, addressing issues as they arise, and tailoring the cadence based on the individual’s experience level. Flexibility was also encouraged, with an open-door policy for more real-time discussions.
When handling difficult conversations, the importance of face-to-face interaction, preparation, and finding common ground was underscored. The panelists also noted that managers shouldn’t shy away from corrective feedback and should approach challenges with positivity.
The discussion also touched on how to welcome new ideas and voices. The panel emphasized that change is inevitable, and leaders should always be open to hearing fresh perspectives. They advised evaluating new ideas carefully to balance innovation with practicality.
When addressing mistakes, especially from new team members, the panelists encouraged transparency and openness, suggesting that bringing issues to a manager’s attention early allows for effective problem-solving and creating a plan together.
Performance reviews were another key topic, with the panel stressing the importance of making them comfortable and productive. Regular communication with managers was recommended to ensure there are no surprises, and team members were encouraged to advocate for themselves. Managers were also reminded to advocate for their teams, ensuring that their value is properly recognized.
Dallas SWE would like to extend a big thank you to the panelists for sharing their time and insights. It was a rewarding evening full of valuable takeaways for both current and aspiring leaders. We would also like to extend our thanks to Collins Aerospace for their continued support and commitment to becoming a Dallas SWE as a Corporate Platinum Sponsor. We are truly grateful for your partnership!
Stay tuned for more professional development events coming soon!