Written by: Nicole M. Augustine, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As the year draws to a close, I reflect on my journey as a business owner, a path rich with learning and evolution. Last year, I shared insights about the importance of transforming a job into a business and the power of outsourcing in my article. This year, my entrepreneurial journey has unveiled two more pivotal lessons: the value of nurturing ingenuity within your team and the nuanced art of hiring and letting go.
Lesson one: Creating a space for ingenuity
Innovation is the lifeblood of any thriving business, and it often sprouts from within the team. This year, I learned the importance of creating an environment where staff feel empowered to share their ideas – ideas that have the potential to revolutionize our operations. Webster's Dictionary defines ingenuity as the "skill or cleverness in devising or combining" as well as "cleverness or aptness of design or contrivance." Ingenuity is not just about creating something new; it's also about finding creative and resourceful solutions to existing problems.
As a business owner, it can be tempting to hold onto control and limit decision-making power to oneself. However, this is a very limited way of thinking. The greatest advantage of having a team is access to the brilliance that exists within the group. This year, I made a conscious effort to create an open and safe space for team members to share their ideas. It was incredible to witness the innovative solutions that emerged when my team felt encouraged and supported in expressing their ingenuity.
Sometimes, I wonder if leaders are closed to ideas because they believe that leaders should hold the answers and solutions for the team. My experience has shown me that when even just two people brainstorm together on a topic, the breadth and scope of possibilities are significantly enhanced than if either person did the brainstorming alone. I have simply applied this logic to my business and working alongside a team. The result has been a company that is willing to take risks and experience business growth through innovation.
Lesson two: The art of hiring
The second lesson revolves around the intricacies of building a team. As a business owner, it's essential to have the right people in the right roles. This year, I focused on refining my hiring process and understanding when it was time to let go of team members who were not a good fit for our company culture or goals. Hiring is an art that requires careful consideration, strategic planning, and an open mind. It's more than just looking at qualifications as documented on a resume. For me, it's about the opportunity to gather together a team that will assist in the manifestation of the company's mission.
In my journey as an entrepreneur, I've found incredible value in transitioning towards skills-based hiring practices. Traditional recruitment methods often prioritize academic qualifications and prestigious professional backgrounds. However, this approach can inadvertently overlook individuals with unique talents, diverse experiences, and the potential to make significant contributions to the business. Skills-based hiring, in contrast, prioritizes an individual's skills and competencies over their formal qualifications. This approach allowed me to bring in people with unique problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a fresh perspective, all of which have proven to be invaluable assets to my team.
As a business owner, I recognized my privilege and power to break away from traditional hiring norms. I leveraged this ability to create an inclusive and diverse workforce, bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and experiences. This diversity has fostered innovation and dynamic problem-solving within my team, which, in turn, has catalyzed our growth and success. Ultimately, moving away from the traditional hiring process not only broadened my team's skillset but also reinforced our company’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. If you curious about skills-based hiring, check out this case study from W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Steelcase.
Reflection and looking forward
These lessons have reshaped my approach to business management and leadership. They emphasize the dynamic nature of entrepreneurship – a continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and growing. I've realized that every challenge faced and every decision made, no matter how tough, contributes to both personal and business development.
I urge fellow entrepreneurs to embrace their unique journeys. The path of entrepreneurship is not linear; it's filled with twists, turns, and invaluable lessons. The willingness to learn from each experience is what drives success. This year's lessons – fostering a culture of ingenuity and mastering the delicate balance of team management – have been instrumental in my growth as a business owner. They reaffirm that entrepreneurship is an ever-evolving process, demanding adaptability and a keen sense of learning.
Nicole M. Augustine, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Nicole M. Augustine is a social entrepreneur, public health professional, and social justice advocate. She was born in Inglewood, CA, in the early 80s during the decade in America known for the "crack epidemic ." This was her first experience with social injustice, racial inequality, and the roots of trauma that plague many people. Her tale is one of resilience and opportunity, as her grandmother relocated the family to moved Edmond, OK, in the early 90s. After experiencing the stark contrast of both living environments, she became intrigued by the core reasons for differences in community outcomes. Nicole found herself studying sociology and public health and was drawn to understanding the root causes of health disparities. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Cornell University and her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University School of Public Health. Throughout her career in public health, she has focused her work on understanding health disparities and social inequality. Her personal life mission is to drive community and societal change while creating generational shifts in community wellness outcomes.
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