How to unite a team, Part 2 w/Angela Ahrendts of Burberry, Apple

Communication

Angela Ahrendts revolutionized team communication at Apple by introducing weekly video messages to retail employees. These videos, recorded casually on an iPhone, aimed to foster a sense of unity and purpose among the global team, emphasizing that each person mattered and was part of something bigger 1. Angela believed that clear, consistent communication was key to building trust and empowering employees.

There is nothing more powerful in driving a vision or turning a company around than just clear, consistent communication that drives connection and collaboration, that builds trust.

--- Angela Ahrendts

Her approach included rotating senior executives in the videos to ensure everyone understood their role in the business, reinforcing the importance of human connection and collaboration 1.

   

Adaptation

Angela's transition to Apple was akin to landing on a different planet, as she navigated a new environment filled with unique challenges and internal complexities 2. Initially, she felt insecure and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar culture and language of tech, but she soon realized the importance of leveraging her unique strengths and gifts.

I got so insecure the first three or four months. But then you have to talk with yourself, right? And in all your meditating and things, and it's like, no, would you stop it?

--- Angela Ahrendts

Angela's journey at Apple taught her to balance her vision with flexibility, allowing her team to influence and refine her ideas, ultimately leading to successful innovations like the "Today at Apple" program 3.