WHY I CHOSE TIMOTHY OVER SIMON

With Timothy, all you need to do is assign the task and say when you want it delivered. No follow-ups, no hand-holding, just the confidence that the job will be done on or before the deadline. Simple and dependable.

Simon, on the other hand, though often considered more skilled, required constant supervision. If a task was due by close of business, I had to check in almost hourly to ensure progress. The work would eventually get done, yes, but at the cost of time and mental energy.

While wrapping up my supply chain consulting engagement at Fredo Associates (not the real name), I recommended Timothy as the team lead for the supply chain unit backed by strong reasons. Management was surprised, as Simon appeared to have more skill. But for me, leadership is about more than skill, it’s about delivering results when they matter most.

As expected, Simon wasn’t happy. He reached out with veiled accusations, saying he contributed significantly to the success of my work and that I paid him back unfairly by recommending someone who joined two years after him.

Rather than argue, I asked him a simple question: “How many times did I have to follow up with you to get things done?” If I plotted it on a graph, it would be 1 to 10 in Timothy’s favour.

Simon admitted that’s just the way he’s always worked, but promised to improve. That made me smile. Because staying as we are isn’t what gets work done. What gets work done is becoming what’s needed to get the job done.

And that’s the heart of it.

Leadership is not about who we already are, it’s about evolving into who we need to be to meet the demands of the role.

My key takeaway: Don’t brag about who you are. Evolve into who you need to be.

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