Unlocking the “Whole Person” for a Stronger Team

I have seen many leaders struggle to admit what they don’t know or rely on their teams to fill in those gaps. As a leader of teams, it’s critical to me that I surround myself with people who know what I don’t, who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo (or me), and who are, above all else, superior collaborators.

When I saw this picture of just a few of my team members, what struck me is not how talented this group of individuals is (they are), but how exceptional they are as a collective team. They speak up for themselves and for each other, they don’t back down from challenges, and they leave everything they encounter better than they found it. This includes me.

Each person has a story, and we do our best to make the time and space to share them. From these stories, who we are becomes clearer. We are designers and artists, engineers and writers. We are experts on countless topics outside our day jobs— from farming to auto repair and crocheting to house flipping. Some of us are ?Star Wars fans, and others are all about the Bravoverse. We are parents and cool aunts and uncles. We are MBAs or MFAs and 3D-print in our garages. We are farmers, dog and cat owners. We are refugees. We are veterans. We are volunteers.

Knowing each person’s unique story and getting past the surface strengthens the connection within our team and builds a level of trust that allows everyone to bring their best self to any challenge or opportunity.

This team has had a profound impact on how I lead. Having this deeper connection helps me access talents that go beyond what’s listed on their resumes. I can also better assess if something isn’t going well for someone and can work with them to address whatever issue they’re facing. Lastly, I feel empowered as a leader to lean on them when they have a skill or knowledge that I don’t.

Together, we’re advancing the business as our whole selves without the fear or concern that can arise if you only know your colleagues at a surface level. I could not be more proud of this team, and I’m pretty lucky that these folks have no qualms about helping me do better every day.