Transforming fragmented teams into cohesive units requires more than just traditional management – it demands a deep understanding of human dynamics and strategic execution. For Delaine A. Deer, a seasoned program leader with experience across construction and project management, this means creating environments where every team member’s voice matters and innovation flourishes. Through her hands-on approach to leadership development and program execution, she’s helping organizations move beyond conventional management practices to build stronger, more effective teams. Her insights stem from years of turning around challenging projects and developing high-performing teams in complex environments.
Building Teams Where Every Voice Matters
“Everybody has their voice, everybody must have their stake in the game,” Delaine explains. “Without that, a team loses cohesion because people no longer feel like they’re working toward a meaningful, executable goal.” This philosophy forms the foundation of her leadership style, which focuses on creating environments where team members feel valued and heard. When building teams, Delaine focuses on complementary strengths and weaknesses. “Strong teams are built by bringing people together—where one person’s strength supports, guides, and even mentors another’s weakness,” she notes. This approach creates natural mentorship opportunities and strengthens team dynamics.
One common challenge Delaine encounters is leaders’ lack of self-awareness. “When leaders aren’t aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, they risk being blinded by them—mistaking their own gaps for someone else’s,” she shares. Drawing inspiration from nature, she points to wolf packs where leaders position themselves at the back. “You can lead from behind. Stop trying to pull everyone along—step back and let them lead you.
Another critical blind spot is failing to recognize team burnout, particularly among high performers. “We have these high performers—the ones who go full throttle, foot to the floor, always on fire, ready to take on the world,” Delaine observes. She compares it to managing a horse: “Sometimes you have to pull back on the reins, not to slow them down, but to keep them from burning out too soon—because you know how far the journey really is.”
Real-World Success in Program Execution
Delaine shares a compelling example from her construction industry experience, where she turned around a struggling plumbing project spanning multiple buildings. Despite pressure for immediate results, she took a week to observe her teams’ working styles. “People were saying, ‘Oh my gosh, you had to get it done immediately.’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah, but I needed a week.’” By reorganizing teams based on complementary work styles, she achieved a 20% improvement in efficiency. The success of this approach became evident when team members who initially clashed became inseparable working units.
Delaine highlights three critical elements for successful program execution:
1. Strategic Risk Management – “Shift from firefighting to strategic thinking,” she emphasizes. Too many teams get stuck reacting to issues instead of proactively managing risks. A strong execution mindset anticipates roadblocks and builds contingencies upfront.
2. Empowered Decision-Making – “If they’re always second-guessing themselves, they’re not going to be a strong team,” Delaine explains. “Execution isn’t just about micromanagement. It’s about empowering team members to make informed decisions.”
3. Outcome-Focused Execution – “Stay flexible and focus on the outcomes, not necessarily how you got there,” she advises. “Sometimes you’ve stumbled, but the outcome is what you needed it to be.”
Delaine’s approach to innovation involves understanding how different people learn and process information. She adapts her communication style using analogies from various fields – from animals, to cooking to knitting – to help team members grasp concepts. “People have different hobbies and different ways their brain works,” she notes. “Meet them where they are. If they’re a hands-on learner and I give a 20-minute lecture, they’re going to be gone within the first 20 seconds.” For leaders looking to improve their program execution skills, Delaine offers this final piece of wisdom: “Mindset fuels execution success. Execution isn’t just about planning – it’s about adapting, learning, and leading through uncertainty.”
To connect with Delaine A. Deer and learn more about her insights on leadership and program execution, visit her LinkedIn profile or her website www.delaineadeer.com
