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Writer's pictureVictoria Richardson

Transforming Leadership: From Chasing "What" and "How" to Solving "Who"


Leaders often find themselves caught in an endless cycle of determining "what" needs to be done and figuring out "how" to do it and a hile these are undoubtedly important aspects of leadership, there's a transformative shift that needs to happen which is critical to success — a move towards the "who." It's about recognizing that the real value in an organization lies not just in tasks and processes, but in the people who carry them out. My unique approach to leadership coaching focuses on this paradigm shift, leveraging best practices from proven methods such as "Who Not How," the A Method for Hiring and Promoting, and the Kolbe System to empower leaders to build winning teams.


Unlocking Potential by Embracing Individuality

The cornerstone of my philosophy is simple yet profound: to extract the maximum value from someone in an organization, you MUST allow them to be themselves. This principle goes beyond mere acceptance of individual differences — it's about actively leveraging these unique traits for the collective benefit of the team and the organization. When leaders focus on the "who," they unlock a treasure trove of potential, creativity, and innovation that rigid adherence to the "what" and "how" can often stifle.


Building Winning Teams with Proven Methods

My approach is grounded in integrating the wisdom of several leadership and team-building methodologies:

  • Who Not How: This method shifts the focus from the burdensome details of how to accomplish tasks to identifying the right person for the job. It's about finding individuals whose strengths and passions align with the needs of the organization, thus fostering a more efficient, effective, and motivated workforce.

  • The A Method for Hiring and Promoting: This framework enhances the accuracy of hiring and promotion decisions by focusing on aspects like ability, likability, and fit for the role. It ensures that the right people are in the right positions, which is crucial for team success and organizational growth. This system creates a structure for clarity and expectations so leaders can translate annual business plans and Management by Objectives (MBOs) into objectives and budgets. This helps a company to assign objectives to the individuals on the team that align with the goals and strategy of the business.

  • The Kolbe System: The Kolbe System assesses individuals' instinctive ways of taking action, providing invaluable insights into how team members can best contribute to collective goals. By understanding and respecting these natural tendencies, leaders can assemble teams that are not just competent but also harmonious and resilient.


The Outcomes: Success, Wealth, and Fulfillment

By embracing this people-centric leadership approach, leaders can achieve:

  • More Career Success: Effective leaders are those who can inspire and motivate their teams to achieve greatness. By focusing on the "who," leaders not only maximize their team's potential but also enhance their reputation as visionary and empowering figures... and their effectiveness!

  • Increased Earnings: Teams that are well-constructed and play to each member's strengths are more productive, innovative, and competitive. This not only drives organizational growth but also translates into financial rewards for all involved.

  • Fulfilling Relationships: When leaders invest in understanding and valuing their team members for who they are, they cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships. This not only enriches the work environment but also extends into more fulfilling personal lives, as the skills of empathy, appreciation, and support have a profound impact outside the office as well.


In conclusion, the transition from prioritizing the "what" and the "how" to solving the "who" is not just a leadership strategy — it's a paradigm shift that promises a more successful, rewarding, and sustainable path to organizational excellence. By focusing on the unique strengths and potentials of individuals, leaders can forge teams that are not just effective but also engaged, motivated, and aligned with the broader goals of the organization. It's time to embrace this transformative approach and unlock the true potential of your leadership and your team.

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