“Always hire people that are smarter than you.” Those are the words of Mary Shrode, who I worked for in college. I learned so many things from Mary, but this specific bit of wisdom has always stuck out to me.
I used to think her advice was specific to hiring good people, but it has become clear over time that understanding your own gaps, and recognizing other people’s strengths, is valuable.
I’m good at what I’m good at. In fact, I’m really good at it. I have specific areas of expertise, natural strengths, and talents, that not everyone has. I have superpowers – areas where I excel and shine.
I also have massive gaps and weaknesses.
Initially in my career, I was convinced that admitting my weaknesses or acknowledging my gaps would stifle my progress and make me look like “not enough” to my peers. I experienced fear and uncertainty on a regular basis but never shared these with anyone. As a ladder-climber, these things seemed like they would only hold me back.
Interestingly enough, it wasn’t until we launched OrangeBall, and took on the responsibility of leading our own agency, that I realized the real value of exposing my gaps. I don’t know everything, and I certainly don’t understand all the ins-and-outs of running a small business. Fear lurks around some corners, and sometimes the decisions we have to make create anxiety. Every day I face new questions and challenges, many that I don’t have answers for, and you know what? That’s OK.
I don’t need all the answers.
What I do need is a strong circle of advisors and mentors who have already walked through what I am facing. Professionally and personally, I have been very intentional to fill my gaps and weaknesses with the advice and wisdom of great mentors, coaches, and trusted peers. I’ve been blessed with an experienced mentor who runs an agency similar to my own. I have a peer group of advisors that I meet with monthly, and a strong circle of other business owners who push and help guide me on a daily basis. As a business, we have relationships with some of the best professional coaches and guides the Twin Cities has to offer.
Today it is rare to encounter an issue at work or home that I don’t have multiple people in my circle that I can tap as resources. From navigating business growth to leading our team, to managing the work-life/home-life push-pull, I rarely bump into a challenge where I do not have multiple names I can reach out to. The result? I work and live with a heightened level of certainty and confidence, not based on my own skills or talents, but founded on the experiences and wisdom of others. My strength comes from my circle.
The Takeaway
The best thing to come from a circle of mentors, coaches, and guides like these? Inevitably at some point the tables turn and you get to be the mentor or guide. Rather than taking, you get to give and be the voice that counsels, bringing things full circle.