Comic Update! Meet the supporting cast

Hello friends!

Festive season is well under way - whoo-hoo!

(sorry for those of you still pushing to close out the year… almost there guys💪).

So, the Scary Management Comic: Part One, is dropping on Xmas day!

And, it’s time to meet the supporting characters in the story.

Grab your coffee and let’s go!

What’s this comic we keep hearing about?

Before we get to meet the guys, here's a quick overview of what the comic is about.

As you know by now, my passion is getting the best out of my teams by applying some of the softer skills of management.

But let’s be honest - this is not the most exciting material to study.

It’s a bit dry and boring to be honest…

But still, I spent years studying and applying this (what is wrong with me??):

• Formally (My MBA dissertation was based on the Managing People module).

• Informally (I follow leadership trends and topics every day, read books etc).

• Application (Managed/Team-leading teams since 2006).

This comic is my way of packaging the learning of these soft skills to be more practical, fun, and engaging.

I bring it to life through two main characters—Thandi, a new manager, and Anand, her mentor. They grow and learn together, facing the challenges of leadership and management.

If you are a new manager battling it out in the corporate or startup jungle, this comic will surely resonate, with lessons and insights you can actually use for success with your teams.

Look out for the first draft in your Inbox on Xmas day as promised!

Ok, let’s go meet the crew.

Lebo - the Best Friend and Confidant

Lebo is Thandi’s long time friend and confidant.

She loves to play pool (like me), and they often meet up at the local pool hall to play and chat.

Through these pool hall chats with Lebo, we get to understand Thandi’s concerns, fears etc around her new management role and key decisions she needs to make.

A Thandi supporter - Lebo plays a pivotal role of motivating and pushing Thandi towards challenges and thus helping her grow.

Michael - the undervalued Star

Michael is a highly skilled software engineer in his late 20s. His analytical abilities and attention to detail make him a strong asset to the Sharks team.

But, despite his contributions, Michael feels undervalued.

His efforts have gone unnoticed by management.

He’s switching off…

There’s been a lack of career progression and minimal recognition. He sees others advancing while he remains stagnant, and this has led to growing frustration and disengagement - he is motivated by recognition and growth.

A Thandi detractor - Michael is not a fan of Thandi coming in to manage the team. How can she do what more seasoned managers before her have failed to do for him and the team?

1 in 16 are diagnosed with lung cancer.

• Early detection saves lives

• Cizzle Bio’s test is 95% accurate

• You can support a patented solution to improve survival rates

Own Shares in Prevention

^{Read the Offering information carefully before investing. It contains details of the issuer’s business, risks, charges, expenses, and other information, which should be considered before investing. Obtain a Form C and Offering Memorandum at invest.cizzlebio.com}

Karen - The change-resistor

Karen is a middle-aged developer experienced with the legacy systems and processes owned by the Sharks team.

But, she is reluctant to adapt to new technologies and methodologies due to a resistance to change.

She prefers the comfort of familiar routines, and seeks to avoid the pressure or stress of learning something new that could benefit the team and the business.

Her refusal to adapt slowly reveals her as one of the obstacles in the team’s progress.

A Thandi detractor - Karen is highly skeptical about Thandi coming in to manage the team, given her youth and lack of management experience.

Werner - the drill-sergeant Scrum Master

Werner is an energetic and assertive Scrum Master in his mid-30s whose presence commands attention.

He places a strong emphasis on discipline, strict adherence to Scrum methodologies, and a relentless drive for efficiency and results.

Werner makes a good coach for Thandi, who is still learning how to bring discipline, structure and process to a team to drive consistent results.

A Thandi Supporter - Werner is keen to help Thandi set the team up for success through strong rituals and routines.

Check out this week’s sponsor while you pause for a sip of coffee. These ads help us keep the newsletter going - please support us by checking them out 🙏 

DeFi’s $3 Trillion Opportunity

DeFi Technologies Inc. (CAD: DEFI & US: DEFTF) offers regulated, secure access to Bitcoin and Web3. Explore the digital economy with a leader in financial innovation and ETF/ETP solutions.

Start Exploring

Sipho - the young and eager junior dev

Sipho is new to the business and the Sharks team.

This is his first job since he completed his studies, and he’s willing and eager.

Sipho bring passion and fresh eyes to a jaded Sharks team who have been struggling for the past few years and unable to deliver effectively.

He is the opposite to Karen - keen to explore and experiment with new technologies and has many ideas for how improve the legacy systems and processes.

A Thandi Supporter - Sipho wants Thandi to succeed, and is eager to help her in whatever way he can.

Organogram: Ok, so here’s the full team structure with the main and supporting cast. Lebo is obviously not working in the team hence not here - probably practicing some pool at the moment.

That’s it for today friends!

Hope you enjoyed meeting the supporting cast!

Ok, so now we are at the business end of the draft comic - just 9 days left till you get it in your Xmas stocking…

It’s gonna be a push, but stay tuned, and see you next week! ☕️