"What I'll take credit for is finding visionary people in the company, or bringing them in, and then empowering them to help me"

The core idea here is all about recognizing the importance of surrounding yourself with talented, visionary people and then giving them the freedom to shine. It’s about leadership that isn’t just about barking orders or taking all the credit, but about building a team of capable individuals and empowering them to contribute in their unique ways.

Historically, this sentiment has roots in the practices of some of the most successful leaders and innovators. Think about Steve Jobs at Apple or Elon Musk at Tesla. These guys didn’t just do everything themselves. Instead, they were great at spotting talent and then letting those folks do what they do best. It’s about trust and delegation—key elements in any successful venture.

Let’s take a real-life example to bring this to life: consider the story of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. When Schultz first joined Starbucks, it was just a small chain of coffee shops. He had a vision to create not just a place to grab coffee but a "third place" between home and work where people could relax. Schultz didn't achieve this alone. He brought in people who could help him realize this vision, from creative store designers to savvy marketers and operational experts. He empowered these individuals to do what they did best, and as a result, Starbucks grew into the global coffee giant we know today.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying the areas where you need help. Be honest about your strengths and, more importantly, your weaknesses. Then, look for people who not only have the skills you lack but who also share your vision. Once you’ve got your dream team, trust them. Give them the autonomy to make decisions and bring their ideas to the table. Micromanaging will only stifle their creativity and enthusiasm. Instead, act as a guide and a support system. Celebrate their successes and learn from the failures together.

Imagine you’re managing a team for a big project at work. It’s a lot to handle on your own, right? So, you start by bringing in a few colleagues who are great at what they do. Maybe Jenna is a whiz at data analysis, while Tom has a knack for creative solutions. You let Jenna dive deep into the data and come up with insights, while Tom brainstorms innovative approaches. Rather than telling them exactly how to do their jobs, you provide the big picture and then let them run with it.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Think about planning a big event like a wedding. You could try to do everything yourself, but let’s be real—it’s going to be stressful and overwhelming. Instead, you bring in a wedding planner, a florist, a caterer, and a DJ. You trust the wedding planner to coordinate everything, the florist to create beautiful arrangements, the caterer to provide delicious food, and the DJ to keep the party going. You’re still overseeing the whole event, but you’re not bogged down by every little detail. This allows you to focus on the big picture and enjoy the process.

In essence, the concept is pretty straightforward: Find the right people, give them the freedom to do what they do best, and watch as things come together in ways you couldn’t have achieved alone. It’s about collaboration, trust, and shared success. That’s the magic sauce behind any great achievement.