“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it’s stupid.” -Albert Einstein.

All people have different skill sets.

Mine are different than those that I work with, and theirs are different than mine.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that everyone deals with things differently. Depending on the situation, someone else’s approach to a problem or job may actually be more effective.

We can also expand our perspective by observing someone else undertake a task, gaining a different approach. Another tool in the box may serve as well later on.

Over my career working with a diverse set of professionals and clients, respecting those different skill sets and varied approaches has been paramount to my individual success.

In fact, I believe that INDIVIDUAL success is not individual at all, for any of us – even those profoundly genius or accomplished. We all stand on the shoulders of giants to some capacity.

But too often, I’ve seen that someone’s ego causes them to dismiss creativity. Feeling the need to defend their high station takes flexible solutions off the table.

We are all here to learn and grow. With that, evolution follows. Inspiration for that growth is everywhere – we just have to take notice.

For me, it’s the collective efforts of those around me that allow me to do what I do.

Ultimately, life is about partnerships: in relationships, in a family, and definitely in business. When people in your life KNOW that their unique input is not only valued but welcomed, magic can happen. All of a sudden, everyone is rowing in the same direction.

It just takes ALL of us believing and focusing on the best possible outcome.

So, I encourage you to become attuned to those with different skill sets and approaches, even if they are not on your level professionally.

You’re never the ONLY one that gets things done, and you can benefit greatly from absorbing the tools, techniques, and mindsets of those around you.

After all, many roads may lead to the same destination.

-J.D.