Chapter 1: Introduction to Team Management

In the realm of team leadership, I empower my managers to develop and execute comprehensive action plans for their departments. However, I consistently monitor the progress of each initiative and offer constructive feedback, guiding them to refine their strategies and utilize resources efficiently.

As part of our series on essential elements for managing large teams successfully, I had the opportunity to speak with Gianluca Ferruggia, the General Manager at DesignRush, a B2B platform connecting businesses with agencies.

Gianluca, could you tell us a bit about your journey?

I hail from a small town near Rome. After completing high school, I made the bold choice to relocate to the UK, filled with excitement about the opportunities that lay ahead. Initially, I worked as a waiter in London, which allowed me to meet fascinating individuals who influenced my path.

Pursuing higher education abroad was not the norm for someone from my background, but I enrolled in a British university and earned a degree in Business Management with Marketing. This experience opened my eyes to my potential — all it required was belief in myself and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This mindset propelled me into the digital marketing sector, where I worked with a prominent agency in the UK, established my own firm, and eventually contributed to the now-thriving DesignRush project. Today, DesignRush stands as a leading B2B marketplace, connecting companies with verified agencies that fit their budget and project needs.

I am grateful for our global team of over 70 dedicated individuals who are instrumental in making DesignRush a leader in our industry.

What’s a memorable experience from your career?

The most remarkable experience has been working remotely. While many of us take in-person interactions for granted, DesignRush has operated as a fully remote team long before the pandemic. I primarily connect with my colleagues via video calls and had doubts about whether our online relationships could be as strong as those formed in person.

After three years of remote collaboration, I finally met my team, and it was a revelation! I was surprised to discover our Director of Sales towered over me by a foot! It took a bit of adjustment to cohabit in the same space, but we soon found common ground and connected in ways I had not anticipated. This bond felt deeper than many of my traditional professional relationships.

Can you recount a humorous mistake from your early career? What did you learn?

Honestly, I don’t recall any specific blunders. I tend to reflect on my mistakes analytically, viewing them as valuable learning opportunities. Even minor errors prompt me to identify their causes, understand them, and devise strategies to prevent recurrence.

Here are a few tips for achieving success:

• Stay humble
• Self-reflect instead of blaming others
• Learn from those with more experience
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities
• Continuously strive for self-improvement

Though they may not seem exciting, these principles can lead to significant progress.

Let’s move to our main topic. Many individuals leave their jobs because of their managers. What strategies do you recommend for retaining talent?

To retain top talent, managers should consider the following:

• Be transparent: Recognize team members' successes and provide constructive criticism when necessary.
• Share your expertise: Many employees seek growth; take time to mentor them, explaining the rationale behind decisions.
• Own your mistakes: Acknowledging errors shows you value feedback and are open to improvement.
• Lead by example: Be knowledgeable in your role before expecting the same from your team. Support them during challenging times.
• Avoid selfishness: Your attitude influences team morale; ensure you’re genuinely invested in their success.
• Reward talent: Actively acknowledge and incentivize your top performers to retain their dedication.

How do you ensure that large teams work together effectively?

This is a crucial aspect of our philosophy at DesignRush. The company’s success hinges on the harmonious collaboration of various teams. We employ a dynamic blend of flat and hierarchical structures to enhance productivity. While input from everyone is valued, it is vital to clarify who is responsible for each segment of a project.

We operate like an assembly line, where each department must complete its tasks before passing the project to the next. Open communication and regular status updates are essential to adapt to unforeseen changes and challenges. Additionally, all departments must be aware of ongoing tasks, statuses, and dependencies to prevent errors and synchronize efforts seamlessly.

Now, based on your experiences, what are the five key things necessary for effective team management?

While five points may seem insufficient for exceptional management, here are essential practices every manager should adopt:

1. Set clear and ambitious yet realistic goals: Just as athletes train diligently for success, managers should establish clear objectives for their teams to aspire to. Witnessing your team achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding.
2. Emphasize delegation: No one can do everything alone. I focus on building a diverse team of skilled experts to drive DesignRush forward. Delegating tasks effectively allows team leaders to develop new skills and strengths.
3. Prioritize teamwork and communication: The collective success of the team outweighs individual ambitions. Implement processes for effective communication to ensure everyone has equal growth opportunities.
4. Practice empathy: Your team will appreciate your support during tough times, motivating them to commit to shared goals. Constructive feedback and encouragement foster creativity.
5. Encourage guided autonomy: I empower my leaders to create detailed action plans for their departments while reviewing their progress and providing guidance. Acknowledging their successes fosters a positive work environment.

What advice would you offer to CEOs or founders to help their employees thrive?

Leaders often feel they must excel in every area, but acknowledging your weaknesses can lead to wiser decisions. Building a team with complementary skills allows you to focus on your strengths, increasing your effectiveness as a leader. This approach makes employees feel valued, motivating them to excel in their roles.

If you could inspire a movement to benefit others, what would it be?

Having lived in various countries for 15 years, I’ve learned to be more open-minded and recognize our shared humanity despite different backgrounds. I would initiate the #LiveAbroad movement, encouraging young people to experience life in a different country for 6–12 months. Such exposure fosters understanding and acceptance, breaking down barriers of ignorance and prejudice, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and peaceful world.

Can you share a favorite life lesson quote and its significance in your life?

"The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them." This quote reminds me to maintain an optimistic outlook, always seeking the positive in challenging situations. Every experience, whether good or bad, is a lesson to be learned. Embrace challenges and find joy in life’s journey!

Where can our readers follow your work online?

Thank you for sharing these valuable insights and for your time. Wishing you continued success!