Dream Hire

There’s that one person you’d love to have on your team.

Maybe they’re an old friend, a trusted mentor, an admired expert in your field.

They’re exactly the kind of person who would be the best kind of co-conspirator to join you in moving your organization into the future you’re dreaming of.

If only they were available. If only you could afford them. If only there was any chance they’d be willing.

Here’s the thing; you don’t know unless you ask.

A surprising number of remarkable people are open to being approached to do something different.

The legendary story of Steve Jobs asking PepsiCo president John Sculley “Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or come with me and change the world?” isn’t the only example of a compelling call drawing someone to what may have appeared a strange career move.

Honestly, it probably is a long shot. You may not be as inspirational as Steve Jobs and the changes you’re working on may be less obviously revolutionary. But if you’re letting that stop you, you probably aren’t ready to bring on your dream hire.

Don’t say someone else’s “No” for them.

Instead, put yourself, and your organization, out there. Make the bold invitation, or even just dream aloud with them that you’d love to work together someday. Maybe they’ll be interested in joining the board, offering some pro bono consulting, or help out with some fundraising or problem solving. Or maybe you’ll have planted a seed that later becomes something entirely unexpected.

But none of that is likely to happen until you ask…

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