How many of us were told from a very young age that sharing is good? My bet is that everyone raised their hands, right?
I remember my mom telling me when I had friends over to share my toys. It was a good thing. I didn’t have any siblings so that was not an issue. In fact, to maintain control and order in my life, all my dolls and toys were lined up on shelves, with labels. I can’t imagine what chaos would have rained if I had had siblings who did not share this ethic. Believe me, breaking out of that to become more creative has been a challenge I am taking on in my life and business right now.
However, the importance of sharing has to do with the work we are doing. When a goose tires of flying up front, it drops back into formation and another goose flies into the point position. What I have found is that it pays to take turns during hard tasks. By knowing and acknowledging the unique collection of skills, capabilities, talents and resources of the individuals on my team, I, as a leader, don’t always have to do the heavy lifting. In fact, the team may actually be more effective because the skills and experience required might not be in my strength areas. This is a great way to share the leadership role and to develop the up and coming leaders in my team. If I never give them the opportunity to try their wings, how will they ever soar and be successful in their own right?
With my GIA Wellness team, we are all independent business owners. This is both good and bad. I have found in building this team, that nurturing the independence is necessary and that that independence of doing it alone can get in the way of having a successful team.
It is clear to me that when I would work closely with others, whether in my organization or elsewhere in the company, that I am much more successful in seeing my dream come true. I know that when I work closely with my sponsor, I have incredible success and fun. Yet when I try to go it alone, there is much more of a struggle and effort without ease. I can be the lead on a call or I can use one of my team to lead the call with their story. It is powerful for the prospective team member than only hearing one voice. This sharing allows the other person to become confident in their skills and knowledge and to know that they make a difference in other people’s lives by what they share.
Sharing is good when starting a business and growing; going it alone can be damaging to success.