Most Important Skills For A VP Operations At RWS Group
Darrin, a VP of Operations, emphasizes continuous learning and adaptability as crucial skills, stating the need to "continuously grow" and avoid stagnation. The ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts and work collaboratively, "compromising and negotiating" effectively within a large, international corporation, is equally vital to success in this leadership role.
Leadership, Cross-cultural Communication, Negotiation, Continuous Learning, Interpersonal Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Darrin Lee
VP Operations
RWS Group
Arizona State University
n/a
Humanities, Political Science, American Studies
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Be curious and continuously learn: The ability to adapt and grow is crucial for leadership roles.
2. Master the art of collaboration and negotiation: Working effectively with diverse teams across different cultures is essential.
3. Develop strong interpersonal skills: Being personable and approachable fosters positive working relationships and enhances teamwork.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours as a VP of Operations?
There are a couple of things I think are very important. These are skills I work on actively.
One is that you have to be curious and willing to continue learning. This is a difference between people who want to be part of a leadership team and those who don't. You can't be stagnant. You have to help grow and provide direction. To do that, you must continuously grow.
The other bits involve being able to work with people. I've been part of a corporation my entire career, always a public company. So there's always a lot of compromise and negotiations. You have to be willing to work with people. You can't dig your heels in or get offended; it's business.
You also can't offend others. You have to recognize that different people have different personalities, cultural beliefs, and values. As I work with folks in APAC and EMEA, I know they aren't Americans and have different expectations. I don't always hit the right note with them, but I try my best.
There's sometimes a slight clash, but you just have to be willing to work with people. You have to be good with people. I think that's something that has always helped me throughout my career. I enjoy working with and talking to people. I think I'm pretty personable, and when you exude that, it brings out that quality in others. So I've always enjoyed working with the people I've worked with.