Entrepreneurship coach and expert, Dan Sullivan, recently released a powerful new book with co-author Dr. Benjamin Harden entitled WHO NOT HOW. It’s not an understatement to say that this concept is transforming my business and life in real-time.
I heard about this concept a few months ago and understood it at a surface level. As I’ve been digging deeper into the book the past few days, I’m blown away. It truly has the power to transform any leader’s life and business when implemented strategically.
While you can certainly order your own copy for in-depth study, let me just share with you the general premise and get your brain imagining how things can improve personally and professionally when you apply the concept.
We have mostly be trained to think that we have to have all the answers as individuals. In fact, collaboration is often discouraged in our traditional educational environments. (e.g., collaborating on a test is called “cheating”!) However, Dan Sullivan astutely stated recently that the world and marketplace actually reward collaboration.
Do you see the problem?
We’re taught not to “cheat” as we grow up through our school years, then we struggle to collaborate later in life because we subconsciously believe we need to have all the answers individually.
In the book, a story about Henry Ford is recounted as first told in Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Ford was being grilled by a lawyer who was trying to prove his ignorance. After hearing many of the questions that were irrelevant to the case, Ford finally pointed his finger at the lawyer and reminded him that he had a row of push buttons on his desk and whenever he needed answers to any of the questions he had, someone would answer the call and provide the information. That’s not lazy or dumb…that’s brilliant! Henry Ford lived the WHO NOT HOW concept by surrounding himself with intelligent people who had specialized knowledge. He didn’t have to.
How does this relate to you?
It may be obvious, but I want to encourage you to think about the “WHO’s” in your life and organization.
Who are the people who have the answers or skills that you don’t?
When are you most prone to try to figure out “HOW” on your own rather than tapping into the genius of others?
Why do you do this?
What are you stressing about that someone else can solve or do?
One last quick concept that can be transformational is this – procrastination can lead to wisdom.
When you are procrastinating to do something, let it be a sign that you need a “WHO” to do it with or for you. We procrastinate on things we either don’t enjoy or feel we’re going to fail at.
Invest some time today thinking about the “HOW” items that you need to let go of and “WHO” you need to delegate to or partner with to accomplish your goals.
Let this concept sink into your mind this week and see where it can take you!
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. Are you a business owner or executive who is looking to attract quality team members and keep them engaged in your organization’s vision and mission? Imagine being a part of a community of “WHO’s” where you can learn from the collective wisdom of the group with various specialized knowledge and skills. Check out the Magnetic Leadership Community where you’ll receive weekly leadership lessons, participate in monthly Q&A calls, hear from dynamic leaders in monthly interviews, and engage in a private forum with other growing leaders like yourself. You can even choose a monthly 1:1 coaching call. CLICK HERE to learn more and join the community!
