In Good to Great, Jim Collins introduces a critical concept to the long-term success of any great institution (including an individual): first “who”, then “what”.
First “who” says that great leaders start with finding the right people, the best people, and getting them on the bus in the right seats. They do this before they choose where to drive the bus. They use the team to determine together where to go and how to get there.
It’s not Mission first. It’s not Values first. It’s not Vision and Goals first. It’s not strategies first. It’s not the destination first. It’s “who” first.
Because if you have the right people, on the right bus, in the right seats, they do not need you to tell them where to go, what problems to solve, or how to get there.
The right people can easily be deployed to the problem. When we start not with “How do we solve this problem?”, but rather “Who should we send to tackle this challenge?” they usually know exactly what needs to be done.
The right people have the skills, knowledge and understanding, and the right effort to match the problems. They get to causes faster, they know the solutions that will and won’t work sooner, and they’re prepared for the possible pitfalls that will trip up implementation before it begins.
A great leader doesn’t first go out and establish a Mission. She doesn’t set a bold Vision. He doesn’t create a strategic plan.
A great leader builds a team. He or she recruits the right people, gets them on the right bus, puts them in the right seats, and, together with them, decides where to drive that bus and why and how.
First “who”. First “who”. First “who”. Every time.
Want these blog posts delivered straight to your inbox each week? Click here to subscribe.
Follow us on social media at the links below.
