Gaining success as a team

Chris transitioned from being an accounting professional to a recruiter and has been managing a high performing team.

Find out more about his success story at Robert Walters.

I started my career as a Management Consultant in one of the Big 4s in Dublin. I went on to become professionally certified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and a Tax Advisor (CTA) as well. After about 4 years of progressing well, I moved on to a Business Development role where I realized how much I enjoyed being on a client facing role and I thrived on people interaction. Also, I wanted to work abroad and chose Hong Kong which is one of the strongest financial services cities could offer a lot of opportunities for me to grow. 

I remember I had a chance to speak to the Regional Director of Robert Walters, to seek his guidance on what I could do next and the opportunities I could find in Hong Kong. Upon telling him how I was looking out for roles where I could stay in touch with my qualification and experience in financial services whilst enjoying client interactions, he suggested trying out recruitment. I was a little hesitant to hear this prospect as I didn’t want to undo the career progression I had so far and enter a new industry altogether. But he assured me how I could cross apply all my skills and enjoy the people centric role that recruitment offered, all while being in a culture that promotes individual growth. And that’s when I jumped on the opportunity and the rest is history. It’s been 8 years and it’s exciting to see how far I have come from having no recruitment experience to leading a high performing and vibrant team. 

When I see my teammates blossom, achieve their goals they set out for themselves, and when I can sense that they are happy, I know I am doing my job right.

High performance teams

I believe a lot goes behind structuring and leading a team that’s constantly motivated and driven towards success. A high performing team is a by-product of efforts of the management, team managers and the team members combined and that’s possible only when you have an environment that is conducive enough and allows each person to thrive. 

Connecting with my team as a manager

I believe there’s a difference between leading a regular team and leading a high performing team. For the latter, one cannot just sit at the head of the table and deliver a speech and expect the team to achieve. It’s important to establish that rapport which opens up channels of two-way communication & feedback and basis that I can understand how to really guide and lead each and every person. It’s very important to practice one’s emotional intelligence as well when they are a leader. The work of a team manager doesn’t end at delegating and then reviewing tasks. It involves being there as a constant pillar of support and caring for the team. 

Tailored approach to motivation

Gone are the days when the quintessential straight jacket motivators worked for everyone. Some get motivated by stability, some by growth and others by appreciation. But one cannot assume that this can be a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The reason why one needs to connect with their team members is so that you know what particular motivator drives them and what really makes them tick. It’s important to understand what’s their purpose and what environment and culture I can provide for them to feel empowered and enjoy the work they are doing. 

Collaboration & cooperation

At Robert Walters, the essence of collaboration amongst different disciplines runs deep and it’s quite impressive to see how it permeates through each team and to our clients and candidates as well. We ensure that every client or candidate is treated like a partner. Our job doesn’t end at closing the loop at placements. We go beyond and really understand their recruitment needs as a whole and be partner in continuously offering comprehensive solutions as they might need. 

Similarly, each team member is a partner as well in growing the Robert Walters business. On a typical day, one can always find us interacting, sharing updates, tackling challenges and coming out together in victorious. This comes in helpful especially when a new joiner comes in as they feel a sense of comfort and support knowing that their team is there to offer help, share feedback and grow the business together.

Management style & personal growth

At Robert Walters, one thing that the leaders take very seriously is defining a work culture that’s conducive to progress for every individual. It’s the management that encourages empowerment, autonomy and doesn’t promote micro-managing. This way each member of the team gets an opportunity to contribute to the business while being true to their own self and their unique ways of managing tasks and projects. 

I personally have seen immense growth in the last 8 years of working at Robert Walters. My Emotional Quotient (EQ) has heightened further, I know how to step back and evaluate the bigger picture, I know how and when to put my team first and just be more selfless when it comes to the team.