Outsourcing Courage
Do what you’re best, pay for the rest.
This was advice I received early in my entrepreneurial journey after a certain Television-Radio Major had gone to school for “story” — not “business”. You can imagine my learning ground when I started my own company for the first time which (somehow) happens to be 20 years ago.
Back then, if you asked me what “Quickbooks” was I would have guessed a Cliff Notes competitor.
We’ve come a long way since 2004.
As they say, “time is of the essence”. I know where to spend my time; and when to outsource. Every second I’m spending on stuff I’m not great at is a waste of money. So I pay for the things I’m not strong at.
It brings us to the subject title of this weekly dose.
Let’s say for a second you feel you are not courageous.
Can you outsource courage?
If you run a team, the answer is absolutely.
A few weeks back we were negotiating a contract with a client. This was just before I was to head off on vacation and I could feel myself fatigued. This was a good faith partner who we have a lot of trust and respect for. It’s a two way street which makes the relationship hum. But on this particular day, our client was surprised to learn our scope had grown. When we served up what we felt the overage should be, this person volleyed back with her civil version.
I remember talking with my Action Team lead and partner Nicole Miller about the back-and-forth. To be vulnerable and blunt, I was tired, less courageous in the moment and ready for my vacation. I was willing to settle for less than what we originally asked for.
Know when to step aside.
Nicole shot back that she felt what we originally asked for was fair. She kindly asked me to “step aside”, that she would run point with a conversation with procurement, and I obliged.
Off on vacation I went.
It wasn’t long after that I received a text from Nicole sharing that procurement was unaware of the amount of work we had done. They quickly understood the cost and were going to pay our original ask.
Nicole took on this hard conversation and I couldn’t be happier to have “outsourced courage” to my partner who was better equipped to take on this conversation. I also learned a lot from her just by 1) letting go, 2) trusting her, 3) not trying to take on something tired, and 4) not taking on something Nicole was better suited to handle.
Many outsource their strategy.
Many outsource their creativity.
And many outsource to fractional.
If you are going to Outsource Courage…
- Hire smart. Look to bring on folks who share your values but are bullish at things you’re not.
- Stay a learner. Learning and doing are different. Remain curious. Ask questions.
- Do what you’re best and pay for the rest. Don’t try to be an expert everywhere! Outsource.
