A friend of mine, one of the most capable, talented, effective entrepreneurs I know, recently handed over his daily meal prep to a nutritionist. Twice a week, perfectly portioned, custom-created breakfasts, lunches and dinners are delivered to his apartment. Why? So that he doesn’t have to plan/chop/decide what to eat, or how much. Why else? To lose weight.

But here’s the twist: he’s a chef.

How often do we abdicate control over something we’re really good at, to someone else who (deep breath) might actually know better? Usually, it is only when we find ourselves powerless to make the changes we know, deep down, are imperative; When we see that what we do that works so well for others, doesn’t produce the same results for our own practices/habits/ambitions.

It’s hard…
…to be a relationships expert who needs a dating coach.
…to be a CEO in need of outside management and leadership counsel.
…to be chef who helps clients combine food for optimal health, hire someone to do this very same thing, for him.

When owners or founders lose (or forget) their ability to say, “maybe I don’t know best,” they silo themselves and prevent others with the right perspective and appropriate training, to do right by the business. But what if real strength and leadership means knowing how (and when) to ask for help? Not at delegating to those who fulfill deficits – that’s easier – but in areas where progress is slow despite your own experience and wisdom?

What I tell myself is that support – even when it may seem duplicative and in my own lane – doesn’t mean completely letting go of the reins. Experience has shown, though, that there’s some real benefit, and maybe even relief, in loosening them…trusting another source…when I’ve been standing in one spot for too long.