Who Not How: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Who Not How, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Ask who, not how
Sullivan and Hardy argue that when facing a goal, people should ask who can help rather than how to do it themselves.
Finding the right people, they say, unlocks bigger results.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Solo effort limits results
The authors argue that trying to do everything yourself wastes time and energy.
In their account, a person who does every task alone soon runs out of hours and skill, so the work stalls.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Collaboration expands freedom
The authors describe freedom of time, money, relationships and purpose as gains from working with others.
In their view, working with capable people brings more choices over how to spend time, money and effort, and allows a richer life.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Clarify the goal first
The authors describe the Impact Filter, a tool for clarifying a project's purpose before finding helpers.
In their account, many projects stall because the goal is vague, so a clear purpose should come first.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Delegating buys time
The authors argue that hiring or partnering frees people for their best work.
In their view, when others take over tasks that drain a person, that person can spend time on what they do best.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Relationships transform
The authors argue that the right collaborators can transform both parties.
In their account, a good partnership can raise the abilities and ambitions of everyone involved, as each side learns from the other's strengths.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Others reduce procrastination
The authors suggest that enlisting others helps overcome procrastination.
In their view, when someone else is counting on a result, a person is more likely to follow through than when they only hold the plan privately.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
It grew from coaching
The authors draw on Sullivan's Strategic Coach programme for entrepreneurs.
In their account, the approach grew out of years of working with business owners, who often reached the limits of doing everything themselves.
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