If you could dream up the perfect workplace, what would it look like? At avad3 Event Production, we believe in building the place where we all want to work. For us, that means a happy, motivated team collaborating seamlessly, like a crew pulling off a perfectly timed event. But let’s be real, most workplaces aren’t quite there yet. The good news? That dream workplace is absolutely achievable, especially with intentional leadership.
Great leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about empowering your team to shine. A wise leader sees the potential in their people and knows how to unlock it. As Patrick Lencioni says, “Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage.”
Let’s dive into actionable strategies to foster trust, accountability, and a growth mindset qualities that build stronger teams and happier workplaces.
Build Trust Like You Build Events: Carefully and Deliberately
Trust isn’t handed out like freebies at a trade show; it’s built intentionally. Imagine walking into an event where every piece of gear is rigged by someone you don’t trust. Nervous? That’s how employees feel in an environment where trust is shaky.
At avad3, we prioritize respect and open communication. Leaders who listen and adapt create an environment where people feel valued. For example, asking your team for feedback after a major event and then actually acting on it demonstrates respect and a commitment to growth.
Think of trust as the foundation of a great stage design: without it, everything collapses. Encourage two-way trust by delegating responsibilities and showing your team you believe in them. (More on delegation later!)
Share Responsibility, Share the Wins
Accountability often gets a bad rap, conjuring images of finger-pointing when things go south. But what if accountability was about ownership instead of blame?
At avad3, we practice “one team, one dream.” That means celebrating wins as a team and owning setbacks together. Leaders set the tone by shifting the narrative from “Who’s at fault?” to “How can we improve next time?” For example, after a missed deadline, gather the team and collaboratively brainstorm solutions. Not only does this create a culture of shared responsibility, but it also fosters creativity and problem-solving.
When people feel ownership, their investment in outcomes skyrockets. And when your team is invested, you’ll see innovation flourish just like that lightbulb moment when you find the perfect AV solution for a challenging venue.
Embrace a Growth Mindset—One Cue at a Time
Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach emphasizes the power of progression over perfection. A growth mindset doesn’t demand perfection; it values continuous improvement. This perspective is especially critical in event production, where unexpected hiccups are part of the job (ever had a mic die mid-presentation?).
Leaders with a growth mindset model resilience and adaptability. Share stories of lessons learned—not just successes. For example, if a virtual event didn’t hit its attendance goals, use the experience to refine your marketing strategy for the next one.
Remember, a growth mindset transforms challenges into opportunities. When teams embrace this mentality, they’re more willing to tackle the unexpected and in our industry, that’s an everyday superpower.
Equip Your Team with the Right Tools (and Trust Them to Use Them)
Imagine running an event without the right cables or communication devices; it’d be chaos. The same goes for your team: without the right tools, they can’t thrive.
Invest in technology that reduces repetitive tasks so your team can focus on high-value projects. For example, automated scheduling tools can eliminate back-and-forth emails, freeing up time to refine client experiences. Remote teams? Lean into video event conferencing and task management software to keep communication clear and consistent.
At avad3, we don’t just hand out tools, we empower our team to use them autonomously. This autonomy breeds confidence and innovation. After all, when people are trusted to own their roles, they rise to the occasion.
Delegate with Grace (and Let Go of the Mic)
It’s tempting to clutch every task like it’s the main spotlight, but true leaders know when to step aside. Effective delegation isn’t just about handing off work—it’s about giving others the chance to shine.
At avad3, our leadership mantra is clear: trust your team. This trust is built by developing skills and providing opportunities for growth. For example, let a team member run the next big rehearsal or manage a complex AV setup. Sure, it might not be perfect the first time, but that’s where growth happens.
When leaders delegate, they free themselves to focus on the big picture—and give their team the chance to stretch their wings. Seth Godin puts it best: “If you’re not willing to let someone fail, you’re not really teaching.”
Lead with Emotional Intelligence
Leading a team is like being a conductor: your energy sets the tone for everyone else. When leaders lose their cool, it’s like playing the wrong track during a keynote; it throws off the entire experience.
Leaders at avad3 practice emotional self-awareness, striving to keep stress and negativity in check. Brené Brown reminds us, “Clear is kind.” Be honest and transparent with your team, but deliver tough feedback with empathy and solutions.
The next time you’re tempted to vent about a snag in the plan, take a deep breath. Respond calmly and guide your team with clarity. It’s a lesson we live by in event production: when the pressure’s on, stay cool and focused.
Let’s Build That Dream Workplace
Building a passionate, inspired team takes work, but the rewards are worth it. By prioritizing trust, shared responsibility, a growth mindset, and emotional intelligence, you’re creating more than just a high-performing team; you’re creating a workplace where people want to be.At avad3, we’re committed to building that dream. As we often say, we are building the place where we all want to work. How will you start building yours today?
