Client Challenge
A new Portfolio Manager (PM) faced a steep learning curve. After years of success as an Analyst, stepping into a multi-person leadership role felt overwhelming. Rapid hiring added pressure, and performance was middling.
Communication was sparse, and the team stayed quiet—leaving leadership unsure about what was really happening day-to-day.
The PM struggled to balance portfolio performance with team management. Momentum chasing and micro-trading were creating noise and distractions, but the lack of transparency made it hard to pinpoint the root causes.
The head of the business and talent partner needed clarity. What was holding the team back? What could be done to fix it? They turned to Mukala for answers and a clear action plan.
Mukala Approach
We began with a 360-degree assessment, conducting confidential interviews with the PM, team members, and key internal partners. These conversations uncovered gaps in communication, inconsistent processes, and habits that were hurting performance.
The assessment wasn’t just about identifying problems. It also highlighted opportunities—untapped strengths and quick wins that could help the team regain focus and momentum.
Armed with these insights, we led a team session to reset expectations and realign processes. We tackled decision-making frameworks, daily communication habits, and individual roles. Each person walked away with tailored feedback and action steps to improve their contributions.
Outcomes
Sharper Focus: Feedback revealed the need for stronger discipline. Too much momentum chasing and micro-trading were hurting performance. We tackled these habits directly.
Clear Communication: In a team session, we mapped out new processes and set expectations for updates and decision-making.
Personalized Feedback: Each team member received tailored feedback to improve their individual performance and contributions.
Renewed Momentum: Within months, leadership saw results. Confidence was growing, the team felt more cohesive, and disciplined practices started paying off in stronger returns.
“That 360 was amazing! You answered all the questions we had. It’s incredibly helpful for us to know what we’re working with and figure out how to support the team.” – Talent Partner
