Bre McQuade, Director of Operations and Experience at Operations Nation: Misconceptions and Realities of Building Effective Teams

Bre McQuade is the Director of Operations and Experience at Operations Nation, known for hosting the largest operations conference in Europe. They are an international community-powered knowledge hub for operations leaders. She is passionate about placing people and systems at the heart of organizational growth. Bre specializes in facilitating connections and learning among teams, championing design thinking, and leading transformative courses for aspiring and first-time COOs across an international community. Her approach combines strategic and empathetic elements, focusing on authenticity, vulnerability, and genuine engagement, with a deep understanding of human behavior across cultures.

In this engaging conversation, Bre McQuade shares her insights on the nuances of company culture versus team culture, the common misconceptions leaders have when building effective teams, and the importance of communication in preventing breakdowns. She emphasizes the need for emotional authenticity in leadership while maintaining structure, and discusses the challenges of fostering psychological safety in diverse teams. Bre also highlights the balance between empathy and strategy in decision-making, and the significance of creating an environment where individuals feel safe to be vulnerable and accountable.

• Company culture and team culture are deeply interlinked.
• Effective teams require a multitude of elements, not just grand gestures.
• Communication breakdowns often stem from a lack of awareness of team needs.
• Psychological safety is crucial for team performance and accountability.
• Vulnerability in leadership invites others to connect authentically.
• Cultural differences can impact how individuals engage in vulnerability.
• Empathy and strategy should coexist in decision-making processes.
• Intentionality in meetings fosters connection and accountability.
• Regular check-ins can enhance team dynamics and trust.
• Creating a safe space for conflict can improve psychological safety.