A coach asks a player to reach as high as he can. The player stretches, reaches, and gives it everything he’s got. Then the coach points to a chair and tells him to stand on it and try again.
The player objects. “You didn’t say I could use a chair.”
The coach replies, “I didn’t say you couldn’t, either.”
Sometimes the limits we work within are the ones we’ve put there ourselves. And sometimes it takes someone else to help us recognize them.
Find Your People
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about learning the craft of distilling is getting to know other people who share the interest. Some have years of experience. Others are just getting started. Everybody seems to have a story, an opinion, or something worth sharing.
I’ve learned plenty from those conversations, including a few things I probably would have figured out the hard way on my own.
The same applies to business. Get involved with people who do what you do, whether they work alongside you, somewhere else, or even for a competitor. There’s a lot to be gained from exchanging ideas and experiences.
And there’s something to be said for simply finding people who share your interests. Call it networking, community, or finding your tribe. Whatever you call it, there’s value in belonging.
Ask Better Questions
The best mentors and coaches I’ve known have a knack for helping people discover answers rather than handing them over.
Sometimes you already know what needs to be done. You just need someone to ask the right question, challenge an assumption, or help you see that chair sitting in the corner.
I’ve used a similar approach when leading teams. Give people an opportunity to work through a problem, ask questions that move the conversation along, and let them arrive at a solution they understand and believe in.
They’re generally a lot more committed to something they’ve helped figure out.
There’s Always More to Learn
Whether you’re running a still, running a business, or learning something entirely new, there’s always somebody who knows something you don’t.
Find those people. Spend some time with them. Ask questions. Share what you’ve learned along the way.
And every once in a while, look around for a chair.
Call to Action
Who’s someone who helped you see an opportunity or possibility you might otherwise have missed?
Enjoy business lessons from the history and craft of moonshining? Explore more posts in The Stillhouse Blog, listen to the Against the Grain Podcast, or learn more about my upcoming book, Against the Grain: Business Lessons from the Still.
