The internal memo Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey sent out to rally his staff amid reports of uncertain future, is an object lesson on personalised leadership communication. He sets the tone by saying, :”....There’s a lot I could say, but there is only one thing I wanted to say: Thank you.” Talking next of how Twitter is still the first choice of people everywhere for news, he ends by expressing gratitude for members of his immediate team. And this is the most interesting part. Each pen sketch lists Dorsey’s observations of his team member's unique attributes such as drive, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, attention to detail etc. It ends with a humorous mention of the member's personal habit or quirk which strikes a personal chord.
A few examples:
Adam Bain - “constant use of when!!
Kayvon - “tendency to chew on his hoodie sweater.”
Leslie - “2x talk speed.”
Omid - “how he’s changed everything he owns to a shade of blue.”
Sierra - “ability to be in two places at the same time.”
Vijaya - “secret love for McDonald’s (to the point of having a McDonald’s iPhone case).
MyLearning
Good communication, minute observation skills and a great sense of humour, can be a powerful mix for effective leadership. It can help hold teams together in a crisis and in good times, help build a culture in which trust can thrive.
