Why Humility Helps Me Build a Better Team

I have learned throughout my career that the path to lasting professional success is never a solo venture. For me, my Golden Rule #14 is simple: I surround myself with people better than myself. This principle is the most important foundation for accelerated career advancement.

True leadership, as I see it, is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about recognizing my own limitations and intentionally building a team that complements my weaknesses and enhances my strengths.

Invest in Internal and External Expertise

To successfully build a better team, I always ensured I cultivated two key networks. Internally, I hired people who were experts in their fields. Externally, I made sure to enlist the help of excellent, trusted external advisors.

I always sought out the best professionals I could afford, including lawyers, tax advisors, accountants, and marketing experts, to guide us in areas where we needed specialized support. I knew that in business, crises are inevitable. Trying to find good professionals in the midst of a crisis is, in my view, “a recipe for disaster”, so I always established these relationships early to have their expertise when I needed it most.

The Time My Team Won the Account

The value of this strong, cohesive team structure was best demonstrated to me when we were pitching for a large supplier in the agro sector. I listened carefully to the prospect, and I clearly understood that the risk manager’s main concern was that their current broker was a “one man show” and that they worried about potential disruption if that individual were suddenly unavailable.

I took note of the details and returned the following week. I marched into the meeting room with ten well-dressed and prepared professionals from my team to pitch our proposal. The risk manager was understandably puzzled to see so many executives. I told him that from that day forward, he would have ten people dedicated to his account. Each member of the team stood up and made a specific presentation, covering all aspects of the account, from approving credit limits to liquidating future claims. We secured the account immediately, proving the classic adage that teamwork wins accounts.

For young leaders starting out, my advice is clear: You must actively look for those who can bring something more to the table—whether it is deeper expertise or fresh ideas—to elevate your business and drive the entire organization forward.