Great leadership is more than managing tasks – it’s about inspiring teams and adapting to challenges. That’s why Nikolay Bizev, Technology Team Lead at Scalefocus, joined LEAD Excellence – a hands-on leadership program designed for Technology Team Leads (TTLs). Through interactive modules and practical exercises, it provides real-world tools for effective leadership. Here, Nikolay shares his key takeaways.
What is the LEAD Excellence program?
LEAD Excellence is designed for Technology Team Leads looking to enhance their leadership skills and team management. The program follows best practices for professional learning, using bite-size lessons, practical exercises, and group work. With structured, easy-to-use materials, it’s a valuable tool for building confidence, influence, and a personal leadership style.
What motivated you to participate in LEAD Excellence?
As a required step in TTL preparation at Scalefocus, LEAD Excellence is crucial for my role. It also offered a great chance to connect with peers, build relationships, and exchange knowledge. And I have to admit—the certificate design was an extra motivation!
Which module impressed you the most?
The Group Dynamics module stood out the most. While I’ve attended other training on this topic, LEAD Excellence offered a deeper perspective. My key takeaway was Belbin’s nine team roles, organized into three main groups. The topic was introduced engagingly; we collaborated in teams to define the roles and compared our definitions to Belbin’s original framework. This interactive approach made the learning process more effective and memorable. The insights gained are particularly useful for forming large teams, where long-term collaboration is essential.
What specific leadership skills or techniques did you gain from the program?
I learned how to adapt leadership styles based on team maturity, relationships, and task complexity. The training turned this concept into a practical skill, helping me analyze situations and choose the most effective approach.
Can you share an “Aha” moment you experienced during one of the workshops?
I was impressed by the teaching style, atmosphere, and attention to detail in the materials selected for our roles and time constraints. The training used a custom “Ahaplay.com” learning platform, a Bulgarian development with global potential. This experience fostered a strong sense of community, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building, adding significant value to the program.
How have you applied the lessons from LEAD Excellence in your daily work or team management?
I now assess situations to choose the right leadership style based on the task and team dynamics. I also use Belbin’s team roles to assign tasks effectively, ensuring each team member’s strengths are maximized. This has helped improve team collaboration and overall efficiency.
Have you noticed any changes in your team’s dynamics or performance since applying what you learned?
I shared the training materials with my team, and we worked through some team-building exercises, gaining new perspectives on teamwork. While our dynamics remain stable since we’re in the performing stage, the experience reinforced our trust and efficiency.
Why would you recommend the LEAD Excellence program to your colleagues? Any advice for future participants?
Designed for TTLs, the program blends team management, client communication, and technical skills. I’d encourage future participants to fully engage – the well-structured materials and interactive exercises make learning dynamic. It’s also a great chance to network, share experiences, and gain new leadership perspectives.
Final Thoughts
LEAD Excellence goes beyond traditional training with a practical, hands-on approach to leadership. The latest edition adds Everest Experience, LEGO Serious Play, and partnerships with aha.play and the Business Institute, making it even more immersive.
For professionals like Nikolay, it’s more than a course – it’s a transformational experience that strengthens leadership skills and fosters a TTL community.
