Everyone’s Blog Posts – RecruitingBlogs

When you hit a wall—whether it’s a project stalled by complexity, a skill gap you can’t bridge alone, or a goal that feels just out of reach—the instinct is often to double down and figure out how to push through. But what if the real answer isn’t about how you’ll do it, but who can help you get it done? This shift in thinking, from “how” to “who,” is a game-changer for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. It’s about leveraging the right people to unlock progress, not grinding through problems in isolation.

The Trap of “How” Thinking
Most of us default to “how” thinking when faced with a challenge. We research, strategize, and try to master every detail ourselves. While this can work for smaller tasks, it becomes a bottleneck for bigger goals. You’re not an expert in everything—nor should you be. Spending weeks learning a new skill or micromanaging a process often wastes time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere.
For example, imagine you’re launching a business but get stuck on building a website. You could spend months learning to code, design, and optimize it yourself. Or you could find a skilled web developer to handle it in a fraction of the time, letting you focus on what you’re best at—like refining your product or connecting with customers. The difference? One keeps you stuck; the other moves you forward.
The Power of “Who” Thinking
“Who” thinking is about identifying the right people to solve problems or execute tasks so you can stay focused on your strengths. It’s a strategic mindset that prioritizes outcomes over ego. Instead of asking, “How can I do this?” you ask, “Who has the expertise to make this happen?”
This approach doesn’t just save time—it multiplies results. By tapping into others’ skills, you access perspectives and solutions you’d never uncover alone. It’s like assembling a team of specialists, each bringing their A-game to a specific piece of the puzzle.
Consider a marketing campaign that’s flopping. Instead of tweaking ad copy yourself, you bring in a data analyst to uncover what’s failing and a creative director to reframe the message. Suddenly, your campaign isn’t just fixed—it’s thriving, because you leaned on people who know more than you do in their domains.
How to Apply “Who” Thinking
Shifting to a “who” mindset takes deliberate steps. Here’s how to make it work:

Clarify the Outcome Define what success looks like. Be specific about the problem or goal. If you’re vague, you’ll waste time chasing the wrong people. For instance, don’t just say, “I need help with my business.” Say, “I need someone to streamline my supply chain to cut costs by 20%.”

Identify the Expertise Needed Break down the task and pinpoint the skills required. Need a killer pitch deck? You’re looking for a graphic designer and a storytelling expert. Struggling with SEO? That’s a job for a digital marketing specialist. Knowing exactly what you need makes it easier to find the right person.

Find the Right People Tap your network, use platforms like LinkedIn, or explore talent marketplaces to connect with experts. Don’t just look for credentials—seek people with a track record of solving problems like yours. Ask for referrals or case studies to ensure they deliver.

Delegate with Trust Once you’ve found your “who,” let them do their thing. Micromanaging defeats the purpose. Provide clear expectations, then step back and let their expertise shine. Check in for progress, but don’t hover.

Iterate and Scale As you see results, refine your approach. Build a roster of go-to experts you can call on for future challenges. Over time, you’ll create a network that makes obstacles feel less daunting and success more attainable.

Overcoming Resistance to “Who” Thinking
Adopting this mindset isn’t always easy. Some worry about cost, others fear losing control, and many feel they should be able to do it all. These are valid concerns, but they often stem from short-term thinking.

On Cost: Hiring experts can seem expensive, but compare it to the cost of delays or subpar results. A professional who nails it the first time often saves you money in the long run. Plus, options like fractional talent let you access high-level expertise without full-time salaries.

On Control: Delegating doesn’t mean giving up ownership. It means trusting others to handle their piece while you steer the ship. You’re still the visionary—just with better support.

On Capability: No one expects a CEO to code, an engineer to write legal contracts, or a designer to run financial models. Playing to your strengths and leaning on others for theirs is how great things get built.

Real-World Wins with “Who” Thinking
Look at any successful venture, and you’ll see “who” thinking in action. Take Airbnb. When the founders struggled with user growth, they didn’t spend years becoming marketing gurus. They brought in experts who specialized in growth hacking and user experience, propelling the platform to new heights. Or consider small businesses that thrive by outsourcing accounting, logistics, or IT—freeing owners to focus on strategy and customers.
Even on a personal level, “who” thinking shines. Need to get fit but keep failing? A trainer or nutritionist can design a plan that works better than any solo effort. The pattern is clear: pairing your vision with the right people’s skills creates exponential results.
Hire Fractional Talent
One of the smartest ways to embrace “who” thinking is by hiring fractional talent—experts who work part-time or on-demand to deliver high-impact results. These professionals, often with years of specialized experience, step in to solve specific problems without the overhead of full-time hires. Whether it’s a CFO to tighten your finances, a marketer to boost your brand, or a tech consultant to fix your systems, fractional talent gives you access to elite skills on your terms.
Platforms like Upwork, Toptal, or Braintrust make it easy to find vetted fractional experts. You get the benefit of their deep knowledge for exactly as long as you need it, keeping your budget lean and your outcomes strong. It’s “who” thinking at its most practical.
Make “Who” Your Default
Obstacles are inevitable, but they don’t have to stop you. By shifting from “how” to “who,” you turn challenges into opportunities to build smarter, move faster, and achieve more. It’s not about doing everything yourself—it’s about knowing when to bring in the right people to make things happen.
Next time you’re stuck, pause. Ask yourself: Who can help me crack this? Then go find them. Your goals—and your sanity—will thank you.
Go to Source
15/04/2025 – 09:08 /Jacelyn Sia
SoMe: @hoffeldt.bsky.social