Nyla Hassell, ACC

Who knew the mere mention of a giant countdown clock would have so many of us breaking out in hives all these years later?” 😂

I was catching up with a former colleague last week, and we got to reminiscing about the giant digital countdown clock our leaders installed above our workspace as we prepared to launch Red Bull TV.

We were doing something we’d never done before, on an aggressive timeline, and that clock was looming over us the entire time.

I’m sure the intention was to build excitement and anticipation.

Instead, it became a glowing anxiety machine, ticking away above our heads while we were already working non-stop to hit the deadline.

To this day, mention that clock to anyone who worked beneath it and you’re sure to get an eye roll and maybe some unhinged laughter. It’s good that we can laugh about it now.

But it’s a clear example of how what leaders intend and what their teams actually experience can be two VERY different things.