Why Results Aren’t Everything: Leadership Lessons on Process and Communication

3 min read

As an achiever, I cared most about getting things done well and on time. Structure didn’t matter as much, as long as the work was delivered. That approach worked when I was an individual contributor. It was just me, my deadlines, and the pressure to execute.

But when I stepped into a management role, I realised that approach wasn’t enough.
​
Over time, I’ve learned that process and communication matter just as much as results.

When Things Didn’t Work the Way I Expected

Having good ideas isn’t enough.

I’ve always enjoyed coming up with creative strategies and campaigns, and I used to focus a lot on getting leadership on board. I think part of me assumed that once something was approved, it would naturally move forward. But in reality, I still had to do the work of bringing people along.

In focusing on buy-in, I sometimes overlooked the people who would actually help bring those ideas to life. There were moments when a direction felt clear in my head, but the rest of the team didn’t have the same context. We still delivered, but it took more back-and-forth than it should have.

That’s when I realised that execution isn’t just about getting ideas approved. It’s about bringing people together and building a process that actually works. From planning to feedback, having that structure makes things smoother and easier for everyone to follow.

What I Had to Learn

I used to take communication lightly. I thought as long as I was doing my job well, everything would be fine.
But when you want to lead, staying quiet doesn’t work.

I missed out on opportunities and promotions because people didn’t know what I was working on. I assumed that if I was doing my job well, people would notice. But that wasn’t enough.

That experience changed how I approach communication. I’ve learned to be more intentional about sharing progress, context, and decisions, not just outcomes.

Where I Am Now

I’m still learning to balance process, communication, and results, but I’ve come a long way from where I started.
​​
As a manager, I’ve realized my job isn’t just about meeting deadlines or hitting targets. It’s about communicating constantly and intentionally, ensuring everyone understands their role, the next steps, and where we are in the timeline. It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited to keep learning and growing as a leader.

I’m hoping to share more of these reflections regularly, documenting what I’m learning each week as I continue to grow.

---

About the Author

Krishna Dela Paz is a creative director and brand strategist based in Dubai. She writes about culture, creativity, and creative leadership. Learn more →