Listen up. I cringe every time someone brags about being “self-made.” Seriously, it’s BS. No one, and I mean no one, gets to the top alone. If you think you did it all by yourself, you’re lying to yourself or forgetting all the people who had your back along the way.
The Myth of the Lone Wolf
Let’s get real. Every entrepreneur, every executive, every so-called “self-made millionaire” had help. Maybe it was your first customers who took a chance on your product. Maybe it was a mentor who gave you that critical piece of advice. Maybe your team was grinding it out late at night to make your vision a reality. Success is a team sport, period.
Think about it. Did Steve Jobs build Apple all by himself? No way. He had Steve Wozniak, who was a genius with the tech. He had a team that believed in the mission. Without them, Apple wouldn’t be what it is today. Similarly, Bill Gates had Paul Allen, and Warren Buffett had Charlie Munger. These are just a few examples of successful collaborations in business.
Embrace the Help
Here’s the thing: Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. Collaboration beats isolation every single time. When you open yourself up to others and let them in, you tap into a collective power that’s way bigger than anything you could do solo.
What Executives Need to Do
So, if you’re an executive trying to level up, here’s what you need to start doing right now:
1. Build Genuine Relationships - Stop networking to network. Build genuine, authentic relationships. Reach out to people without expecting anything in return. Offer value first. You’ll be amazed at how much comes back around.
2. Empower Your Team - Your team isn’t just a bunch of employees; they’re your partners in success. Give them the tools, the freedom, and the trust to make big things happen. Listen to their ideas. Celebrate their wins. When they grow, you grow.
3. Stay Humble and Keep Learning - The moment you think you know it all, you’re done. Stay curious. Ask questions. Admit when you don’t understand something, and then find the answers. Humility isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for growth. It's the key to unlocking new perspectives and ideas.
Take Action
Start Mentoring Someone - Find someone you can help. Share your knowledge and your experience. Not only will you be giving back, but you’ll also learn a ton in the process. Remember, the best way to learn is to teach.
Join or Form a Mastermind Group - Surround yourself with people who challenge you and push you to be better. Share your struggles and successes. Collaboration breeds innovation.
Publicly Acknowledge Your Team - Whether in a meeting, on social media, or in a company newsletter, take the time to publicly acknowledge the people making a difference. Give credit where it’s due. This not only boosts their morale but also strengthens the bond within your team.
A Story to Remember
Let me tell you about Henry Ford. Yeah, the guy who revolutionized the automobile industry. He didn’t invent the car, and he didn’t do it all alone. He surrounded himself with brilliant people—engineers, designers, thinkers. He knew that to build something great, you need a great team. Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” That’s the mindset we all need.
Final Thoughts
Cut the “self-made” nonsense. It’s toxic, and it’s misleading. The real power comes from helping others and being helped. When you embrace collaboration and acknowledge that you can’t do it all alone, amazing things start to happen. So drop the ego, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get to work—together. Remember, success is a team sport.