A Career With Water, From The Sea to Cells Not Shells With James Edmondson

In this episode, Lee chats with James Edmondson, an experienced and results-oriented Agile leader and systemic team coach, with a reputation for working collaboratively with senior teams in both operational and head office environments. He is a people focussed leader with highly attuned emotional intelligence that enables strong relationships at all levels and also a veteran with over 20 years of experience working collaboratively under pressure and with a character that inspires the very best out of high-performing teams.
Lee and James discuss his ‘water-based’ career, his adaptation of military ‘cell’ structures as a form of team management, the meaning of ‘agile’ in a team context, moving from military to civilian life, and the lessons he has learned in teams and leadership. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

From 20 years in the Navy to his current career with Anglian Water, James has always specialised in team focus.  One of James’ first tasks was dealing with the COVID response which gave him invaluable experience in change management. James uses a ‘cell’ system model which he learned from the Navy in his team-leading strategy.  James is now a certified team coach after training in the field. The idea of an all-powerful, super-efficient, singular leader is a myth. Get rid of the ego, be humble, ask questions and know that you do not know all the answers.

BEST MOMENTS
‘I remember looking into the Navy as a teenager and thinking, goodness me, it’s just like a really good rugby team or really good football team or really good cricket team. They’re always playing together and got focus on an outcome.’-James
‘That cell structure gave us a really cohesive unit. It decentralised leadership to a certain extent. With the way we connected it all together it allowed people to have shared awareness and real clarity on what we were trying to achieve.’-James
‘I started to dig into what ‘agile’ meant and I did a couple of courses.’-James
‘You’ve used the word ‘teams’ a lot and you’ve also used ‘team of teams’. What is it about teams that make you feel the way you do and what is it that makes a great team?’-Lee
‘The notion of a heroic leader or a superman or supergirl just getting things done on their own is nonsense.’-James
‘What makes a great leader? There’s so much to go into here but straight away it’s humility and trust.’-James

VALUABLE RESOURCES
Business Problems Solved Podcast         

ABOUT THE HOST
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.

CONTACT METHOD
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194
Lee@leehoughton.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lhoughton/