Leading with adaptability
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, leaders face the dual challenge of driving results while prioritizing the wellbeing of their employees. With countless leadership books, podcasts and resources available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which strategies truly make a difference. In this edition of Leaders at Equinix, we explore practical approaches that have proven effective for Bridget McFarlane, Senior Manager, Global Solutions Architecture & Engineering. Recently recognized with the Transformational Leader of the Year Award at Connect, Equinix’s annual sales kickoff event, Bridget offers insights into inspiring teams, fostering a positive workplace culture and maintaining personal motivation amid leadership challenges.
Fostering success through communication and trust
At the heart of Bridget’s approach is a fundamental belief: “What can I do to help my team be successful?” This mindset drives her commitment to honest and clear two-way communication. She prioritizes creating a safe space where team members feel comfortable being open and vulnerable. By encouraging an environment where individuals can celebrate wins, express challenges and provide feedback, she strives to foster a culture of trust and collaboration. She emphasizes the importance of listening to others: “I work hard to listen to their concerns without interrupting or trying to immediately provide answers and coaching.” As she puts it, “I find that coming to the answers together leads to buy-in more often.”
Adapting leadership approaches to individual needs
One of the hardest lessons Bridget has learned is that “not everyone on my team is like me or works in the same way that I do.” Recognizing that each team member has unique perspectives and motivations has been pivotal in shaping her leadership style. “I strive to meet each team member where they are, adapting my approach to suit individual needs,” she added. Her ongoing effort to understand different working styles helps her to become a better leader every day.
Bridget has this advice for those looking to transition into leadership roles: “Understand that it is your responsibility as a leader to tailor your approach to the needs of team members.”
A legacy of support and a no-blame culture
When reflecting on her legacy, Bridget hopes to be remembered as “someone who supported her team members, had their backs, and helped them to succeed in whatever they defined as success.” She elaborates, “A mentor once told me the importance of fostering a ‘no-blame’ culture. If something goes wrong, you don’t blame the person; you blame the problem.” By quickly pivoting to collaboration and solution-finding, teams can learn and grow from failures, leading to greater resilience and innovation.
Leadership resources
Bridget has found immense value throughout her journey in the Management Essentials training and the Situational Leadership II course provided to people managers at Equinix. “Both courses provided tangible methods for identifying where your team members stand in terms of will and skill on a given task,” she shares. “These courses helped me to lead with adaptability and precision—to effectively guide my teams toward successful outcomes.”
Effective prioritization techniques
Managing a busy schedule is a challenge that Bridget actively navigates. She adopts a strategy of setting weekly priorities: “At the beginning of each week, I establish my three ‘Big Rocks.’ These are my top three priorities that must be completed by the end of the week. I do the same at the start of most days, identifying three ‘Big Rocks’ for the day. This practice helps keep my priorities front and center. When new tasks arise, instead of immediately adding them to my plate, I evaluate them against my ‘Big Rocks’ and decide whether to schedule, decline or delegate them accordingly.” This method helps Bridget maintain focus within the chaos of daily tasks.
Additionally, she utilizes time blocks on her calendar, stating, “During this time, I try to turn off all notifications and avoid looking at new emails and chats. I focus on a specific task, usually one of my ‘Big Rocks’.”
She acknowledges that these methods don’t work every day. For instance, she often allows meetings to be scheduled during her focus time, or she finds herself checking emails and messages too frequently. However, she continues to work on improving her approach.
The essence of leadership
The journey of leadership is filled with lessons, challenges and growth opportunities. By prioritizing communication, understanding individual needs and fostering a supportive environment, Bridget demonstrates leadership qualities that inspire others on their journeys. Her insights remind aspiring leaders that effective leadership is about achieving goals and empowering others to reach their full potential.
At Equinix, great leadership is the cornerstone of innovation and success. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dynamic team that values growth, collaboration and excellence, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.