Right People, Right Seats: The Who Before What in Leadership
In the world of leadership and organisational success, a pivotal principle often goes overlooked: the concept of 'first who, then what'. Renowned for his insightful business acumen, Jim Collins emphasises this principle, arguing that the key to a successful organisation lies in getting the right people on board (he calls it “getting the right people on the bus”) before focusing on strategy or structure. This approach, while seemingly straightforward, challenges many preconceived notions in the corporate world.
The Misconception of Restructuring as a Panacea
Frequently, businesses fall into the trap of believing that structure changes are the silver bullet for all their problems. From our experience, this is a misguided approach. An organisational restructure, though significant, is not a cure-all solution. The real game-changer is the people you attract and retain within your business.
Embracing Collins' 'First Who' Philosophy
Jim Collins' 'first who' concept is strikingly apt. The starting point should always be your people - identifying those who embody your company's core values. If there's even a hint of doubt about an individual's alignment with these values, it's a strong indicator that they might not be the right fit for a crucial role, nor many roles in your business.
Our Talent Assessment Tool is a good starting point that will summarise the strength of the culture across your organisation.
Strategic Seat Allocation
Once you've identified your core team, the next step is to define the key positions required to propel your business forward based on your strategic objectives. This might mean creating new roles for expansion or product development. It's essential to match the right people to these key roles. If there isn't a suitable internal fit, it's an indication of where your hiring focus should lie.
Frequent Evaluation and Development
Deciding who should occupy these 'seats' on your corporate 'bus' should be a recurring exercise. When contemplating a team member's fit, the dilemma often is whether to nurture and develop them or to replace them. At Visage Growth Partners, we lean towards encouragement and development, believing firmly in hiring for values and then nurturing and developing their skills.
The Power of the Right 'Who'
A profound realisation is that when faced with a challenge, considering 'who' might be best suited to address it often yields better results than jumping straight into the 'what' of the solution. The right person brings energy, expertise, and a willingness to navigate through obstacles. Once again, businesses can lean on their structure or functional accountabilities as the answer to any challenges. We strongly encourage a “first who” approach, that can at times lead you to someone more suitable to tackle something and/or sponsor a team to overcome the challenge.
A Personal Example of Transformational Leadership
Working with our clients, we have witnessed the power of placing the right person in the right role. An individual, previously underutilised due to lack of development, was given an opportunity to fill a key position. With their positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and being provided with the right support and mentoring, they blossomed into one of the finest leaders we know today.
Connecting with Your Team: The Essence of Leadership
True leadership transcends beyond mere delegation and strategy. It's about connecting with your people on a deeper level, showing empathy and gratitude. This connection and focus on the 'who', is what elevates great leaders. They express gratitude for their team's strengths and potential rather than dwelling on shortcomings.
The principle of 'first who, then what' is more than a leadership strategy; it's a philosophy that can redefine the trajectory of a business. By prioritising the right people for your team, you set a solid foundation for everything that follows.
If you can have more “first who” conversations across your whole business, watch the impact on organisational effectiveness and impact!
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