One in a zillion…

My client told me his story that led him to start his own firm as we shared a coffee, some water, and a bit of building this morning.

Back in 2005 he made a “decidre” to leave the comfort of the corporate world and embark on his own.  He literally jumped out the window, knowing he would land on his feet, as he told me.  He knew his OPUS was not where he was and never would be.  So he simply jumped.

I told him this act makes him about one in a zillion.  I LOVE building with strong, freakin’ crazy types, with this kinda clarity, conviction, and confidence.  These types can take a punch.

And, I promptly landed one.

I asked him if he understood the ramifications toward how he leads his team.  He gave me “the look.”  I asked him to tell me about a typical interaction with a teammate that travels into his office looking for some help.  He told me about Willy and his latest powerpoint.  He came in confused and left with a completed deck courtesy of my client.  My client is a stud, remember, and has some serious clarity, conviction, and confidence.  He likes the team to lean on him.  He can handle it.  They can’t.  Or so he thinks.

I told him to lean against this tendency and asked him to tell me why.  After I asked him a handful of questions that flowed from whatever he sent my way, he got it.

I told him, once he masters the art of the curious question, his team will too.

Get it, that is.

One of the deep challenges for most entreprenuer types is the tendency to do it themselves.  This tendency develops dependent teammates.  This tendency is unsustainable as the system grows and evolves.  This tendency creates the “gap trap” that we discussed at yesterday’s practice.

What tendency do you need to lean against?

Do you know?

Have you asked your team?

Tell me more, my friend.

Tell me more…