The Right Kind of Help
/I've been buying and delivering services for all of my career. Mostly buying, so I know a good deal when I see one. Whenever we seek outside help to solve a pressing problem, it's vital that we pick the best approach.
There are 4 tiers of help we can bring in to solve a complex challenge:
- Do this task for me
- Tell me how to do this task
- Help me do this task
- Help me figure out how to address this challenge
Notice that in the first three cases I, the client, have decided on the tasks that are required to solve my problem. I may be asking for different types of help, but I'm assuming I know the answer. That's great if I'm right, but if I'm wrong, or incomplete, I'm just hiring an expert to help me do the wrong thing right.
For tier 4, on the other hand, I know what challenge I need to resolve but I am open as to how this is done. I'm asking for a different type of expertise, someone who has solved similar complex problems before, and who could help me figure out a much more innovative solution. Simpler, lower risk, higher benefit. A better way.
Understanding this helps me to recruit the right kind of expertise - 1) trained bodies to complete a task, 2) trainers, 3) technical advisors, or 4) strategic problem solvers.
The value I am seeking increases as I move from tier 1 to tier 4. At the same time, the supply of suitable expertise decreases.
4 tiers for you
To apply the 4 tiers model to your business, consider a previous initiative where you may have been too prescriptive on the solution and hired task-based expertise from the get go. Could the outcome have been better if you had recruited the help of a strategic problem solver first?
You can reach me at graham@primeFusion.ca to discuss how the 4 tiers can apply to your specific circumstances.