HOW…or WHO?
It’s a thought-provoking exercise that can lead to BIGGER, FASTER, STRONGER results if we really understand what it’s really all about.
In his book “GOOD to GREAT” Jim Collins rolled out a phrase I had never heard before…
“Technology Accelerator.”
He was not talking about me or you necessarily diving into technology in a dozen different areas, he was explaining the accelerated benefits of engaging some individual (WHO) that was excellent in some specific area that I needed to advance my business and improve the outcome or results.
That book was released in the year 2000! Well in advance of much of the TECHNOLOGY that exists today or will exist tomorrow.
Another individual you’ve no doubt heard, or read, me reference is Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach. Dan explains his take on the WHO over HOW this way…
The “HOW” society holds the old way of thinking—the idea that whoever puts in the MOST EFFORT, works the hardest, and develops the most skills will be the most successful.
Those in the “HOW” society always try to figure out how to do something themselves, and they view collaboration as delegating or pushing their burdens on someone else.
People in the “WHO” society understand the importance of COLLABORATION in business and nearly every other aspect of life. They’ve seen that you no longer need the same credentials to climb the ladder.
And because collaboration and innovation are easier than ever with today’s technology, they can progress 10X faster by finding the “WHOs” that can help them accomplish their “HOWs.”
Those who are good at setting bigger and better goals, identifying the “HOWs” that are not theirs, and then identifying and enrolling the “WHOs” in those bigger and better goals are those who OWN the future…
I’ve experienced this phenomenon in my own life and work many times. Maybe even before I really understood or even heard about TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATORS.
But Dan takes it a step further in his WHO philosophy, not just with technology but with other areas of expertise, relationships, collaboration, etc.
So the next time you’re thinking of HOW to solve a particular issue or improve your results or advance your business…maybe the answer isn’t HOW, but WHO!
Because as we’re fond of saying, “You gotta’ have a GUY” meaning, man or woman, who can bring the expertise/resources/knowledge/etc. that you need in a particular situation that calls for a WHO.
Have a great weekend,
Michael
EDITORS NOTE:
Michael York is an accomplished AUTHOR and SPEAKER...as well as the Co-Founder and Host of CETV.
In 2022 He was named “Most Unique Leadership Coach” by Corporate Vision International, and in 2023 was awarded the “Transformation Coach of the Year” by Wealth and Finance magazine.
He is an award-winning CONSULTANT and COACH retained by ORGANIZATIONS for his contribution to the improvement of HUMAN POTENTIAL, PERSONALLY as well as PROFESSIONALLY.
He is the RADICAL IMPROVEMENT CATALYST behind major advancements with his clients over two decades and the EVIDENCE of his EXPERTISE is confirmed by empirical RESULTS, some of which can be seen at www.MichaelYork.com