In high-growth environments, effective teamwork depends on trust—especially when teams are remote, client needs are complex, and timelines are tight. Trust isn’t passive; it’s built through clear expectations, open communication, and creating space to lead with confidence.
In this post, Assistant Controller Sally Lee shares how Attivo’s trust-first approach to leadership enables stronger teams, better decision-making, and a more supportive workplace for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Building Connection in a Distributed, High-Trust Culture
Clear, consistent communication is essential in a remote-first, client-facing environment. At Attivo, leaders are expected to anticipate issues, keep timelines on track, and support team members across time zones.
“Startup leaders have full calendars, so we try to anticipate any timing issues,” Sally explains. “If we need to adjust a meeting or deadline, we reach out a week ahead—not the day before. That builds trust on both sides.”
That same mindset applies to how Sally onboards and supports new team members. In the first few months, she holds regular check-ins to surface questions, clarify expectations, and build working relationships across accounts.
“Sometimes it’s five minutes, sometimes longer—it’s about being available and showing that you care, not just about the work, but about the person.”
Effective leadership of a distributed team requires flexibility. Sally adapts her schedule when needed to stay connected and ensure team members feel supported.
“I adapt my schedule to my team’s time zones. Sometimes that means early mornings or late evenings, but it’s important to me that they feel supported and connected.”
For newer team members, these conversations often include guidance on specific client systems, expectations around deliverables, and even preparation for handling similar tasks across clients. As Sally puts it, “One question answered in five minutes can unlock momentum across multiple clients.”
By staying closely connected during onboarding and beyond, Attivo leaders help team members ramp quickly, build confidence, and deliver consistently—no matter where they’re working from.
Developing Leadership Through Client Engagements
At Attivo, leadership development happens by engaging in the core work of a person’s role. Team members build confidence, judgment, and communication skills by taking ownership of real client challenges, with support from experienced leaders like Sally.
“I don’t do all the problem-solving myself,” she explains. “If there’s an issue, I’ll ask the team to bring solutions. We review together, so they learn and feel confident presenting to clients.”
This is especially important for Senior Accountants and Accounting Managers, who often serve as the primary point of contact for clients. Sally takes an active role in helping them prepare—whether that means reviewing emails, talking through strategy, or anticipating follow-up questions.
“I want clients to feel confident in the team—not just me,” she says. “That’s why we work through communications together. It builds trust with the client and helps the team lead with clarity.”
By embedding leadership opportunities into client work, Attivo ensures that team members develop the skills they need to grow—while providing clients with consistent, thoughtful service from every level of the team.
Emotional Intelligence in Practice
Effective leadership at Attivo requires more than technical knowledge—it calls for awareness, adaptability, and the ability to lead with intention. Sally approaches each team member as an individual, adjusting her style to match how they work best.
“Some people like lists, others need a bit of conversation before diving in,” she explains. “I adjust my style to support each person—it helps them stay engaged and feel valued.”
That same awareness shapes how feedback is delivered. For Sally, coaching is most effective when it’s honest, clear, and grounded in respect.
“A great leader can give feedback with grace. It’s not about pointing out mistakes—it’s about helping someone improve without tearing them down. That motivates people to do better.”
Emotional intelligence helps build trust, but it also drives performance. It’s how leaders develop confident teams—capable of taking ownership, solving problems, and consistently delivering results for clients.
Leadership That Builds Teams—and Client Trust
Leadership at Attivo is not defined by oversight or output. It’s built on trust, accountability, and the belief that people do their best work when they feel supported and empowered to lead.
“Trust is foundational. If your team doesn’t trust you, it’s hard to be effective,” Sally shares. “Great leaders create space for open communication, listen to feedback, and take accountability. They show that leadership is about support, not control.”
This approach strengthens both internal teams and client relationships. When team members are trusted to lead, they move faster, communicate more clearly, and deliver with greater consistency. The result is a team that operates with confidence—and produces stronger outcomes for the companies they support.
Follow Inside Attivo for more on how values like trust, clarity, and accountability shape team culture and client service—at every level. Learn more at attivopartners.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
