Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Case for Outsourcing

Outsourcing is the process of seeking paid expertise to address a need within a company. Companies outsource talent from outside, including contractors, vendors, trainers, caterers and human resource consultants. Outsourcing enhances performance without incurring huge liabilities like obligation

This quotation came from Craig Alexander, a professional Australian triathlete who was crowned, second-year running world champion triathlete in Kona-Kailua, Hawaii.

‘Worked a little bit with Chris Carmichael, one of the coaches who works with Chris Carmichael. I definitely outsourced – the second you think you know everything is when you get in trouble. I talked a lot with Dave (Scott) and Greg Welch.’

Craig is astute in his observation. Scott and Welch were former world champions in triathlons. The moment when you think you know everything, you may have missed something critical. Self-reflection and personal analysis have limitations; a second pair of eyes can detect the elusive, as well as the obvious. Recall the Zen parable about the monk asking the scholar to empty the cup of tea? You cannot fill the cup unless you first empty the cup.

As mentioned over several blog posts here, coaching is a form of outsourcing. A coach brings diversity of ideas and acute observations and feedback, to help the athlete attain a heightened performance, and enhance his capability.

Leadership Lesson: Outsource – to resource yourself further. Leaders do not work alone. Seek help when you need.

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