Take a computer program: Essentially every single byte (or character in the source code) has to be right for the software to function correctly. Or think of a product development project: Pretty much all the pieces have to be correctly executed before the new product will succeed in the market. That’s not just all the technical tasks, but all the marketing, sales and logistics ones too. It’s a lot—remarkable anything ever works really.
So it is with people things: A whole lot of layers need to be appropriately attended to before the outcome we want will happen. Here’s some that might apply…
- An understanding of the systemic nature of things
- Leadership
- Connection with the market or the audience
- Compelling writing
- Good design
- Interpersonal relationships
- Financial compensation for contributors
- Effective communication and dialogue
- Shared vision
- Common understanding
- A sense of timing
- Self-responsibility
- Hope
- Care
Chances are, your answer contributes to one or more of these, but not all of them.
What’s your approach to integrating all the parts you need? How do you tell where your contribution hands off to one from someone else? When should you be in the front seat and when in the back?
Making good calls about this is key to your success.