Who Not How

The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals through Accelerating Teamwork

by Dan Sullivan, Benjamin Hardy, PhD

4.7(3,213 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book explores the powerful shift from asking “How?” to asking “Who?” whenever you have a goal. By focusing on building the right collaborations, you generate more freedom in time, money, relationships, and purpose. Expect to learn about practical strategies for big-picture thinking, leveraging others’ strengths, and achieving results without feeling overwhelmed by endless responsibilities.

Introduction

Imagine you have a big dream, but you aren’t yet sure how to pull it off. Many people start by asking, “How do I do this?” and soon feel stuck. This book suggests a better question: “Who can help me achieve this?” That small shift unlocks bigger possibilities.

You’ll find stories of individuals who freed themselves from trying to do everything alone. By bringing in collaborators with the right strengths, they accelerated progress and discovered new purpose. The key is trusting others’ expertise and letting them own the parts you shouldn’t handle.

Procrastination arises when you lack a “Who,” not because you’re lazy.

Throughout these pages, you’ll learn how focusing on “Who” transforms your mindset from scarcity to abundance, revealing talents you never knew existed. Let’s begin by exploring how to become less overwhelmed and more deliberate with your time.

Procrastination: A Call for Whos

In many cases, procrastination is a sign that a task or goal is too daunting to tackle alone. Instead of giving in to guilt and frustration, see this as a signal that you need someone else’s expertise. Shifting your question from “How can I do this?” to “Who can do this with me?” naturally reduces delays.

Trying to figure out every technical detail by yourself can stall momentum. A lawyer or entrepreneur might put off tasks indefinitely, drained by countless small chores. Seeking a skilled person—a personal assistant, a specialist, or a collaborator—restores your energy and frees you to pursue the bigger vision.

Results, not hours, truly drive success.

Leaders often misunderstand procrastination as laziness. Instead, it is wisdom telling you there’s a missing piece. Clarity arises when you realize you should enlist a “Who” to handle steps you’d otherwise struggle through.

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What is Who Not How about?

"Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals through Accelerating Teamwork" by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy, PhD, challenges conventional goal-setting paradigms by advocating a transformative approach: asking "Who" instead of "How". The book illustrates how shifting focus from personal execution to strategic collaboration can unlock unparalleled potential. At its core, it's about empowering individuals to amplify their results by identifying the right collaborators, thereby freeing themselves from the constraints of solo endeavors and opening avenues for creativity and purpose-filled achievements.

Drawing on a wealth of real-life stories and practical insights, the authors unravel how leveraging teamwork can lead to freedom in time, financial growth, and enriched relationships. This book offers a blueprint for leaders at every level, underscoring how building the right partnerships evokes a symbiotic environment that not only accelerates success but also enriches professional journeys. By adopting this mindset, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of prioritizing impactful contributions over mundane tasks, thus transforming both their personal and professional landscapes.

The significance of "Who Not How" lies in its ability to redefine success by aligning individual ambitions with collective strengths. Its approach is revolutionary, presenting a paradigm shift that punctuates the essence of modern leadership and teamwork — ensuring that readers emerge not just as visionaries but as orchestrators of change and innovation.

Review of Who Not How

"Who Not How" offers a profound shift in leadership philosophy that resonates with those looking to attain extraordinary results by harnessing the power of teamwork. The key virtue of this book lies in its actionable approach to redefining how collaborative efforts can elevate one's productivity and influence. Through compelling narratives and clear, concise arguments, Sullivan and Hardy present compelling evidence supporting their revolutionary concept.

The strength of the book lies in its practical application, with tools and strategies tailored for deploying the "Who Not How" mindset in everyday settings. Readers are guided through the process of identifying and deploying the right "Whos", freeing themselves from less impactful activities. This move not only clarifies vision but also enhances one's ability to make high-impact decisions efficiently — a testament to the authors' strategic foresight.

The writing itself is accessible and engaging, drawing readers into a dialogue that challenges preconceived notions of leadership and goal achievement. The tone is conversational yet authoritative, fostering an understanding that complex ideas needn't be convoluted. After immersing themselves in this work, readers will recognize the future-focused opportunities born from cohesive cooperation, confidently stepping towards ambitious aspirations.

In conclusion, "Who Not How" comes highly recommended for any individual committed to advancing their achievements through strategic partnerships, turning intentions into results not through exhaustive effort but intelligent, synergistic coordination.

Who should read Who Not How?

Business leaders committed to fostering a collaborative work environment where collective goals are achieved efficiently.
Entrepreneurs seeking practical strategies to leverage team strengths and optimize performance for business growth.
Human resources professionals aiming to cultivate a workplace culture centered around strategic partnerships and mutual support.
Project managers focused on maximizing productivity through strategic delegation and enhanced team dynamics.
Self-improvement enthusiasts eager to shift their mindset from individual achievement to harmonious, result-driven teamwork.

About the author

Dan Sullivan is a renowned entrepreneur and co-founder of Strategic Coach, a leading entrepreneurial coaching program. He has coached over 20,000 entrepreneurs and authored more than 50 publications on entrepreneurial success. Benjamin Hardy, PhD, is an organizational psychologist and bestselling author of "Willpower Doesn't Work" and "Personality Isn't Permanent". His blogs have been read by over 100 million people and featured on Forbes, Fortune, CNBC, and Big Think. He was the #1 writer on Medium.com from 2015 to 2018. Together, they co-authored "Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals through Accelerating Teamwork", sharing productivity secrets to shift thinking and catapult growth.