Business By Hormozi #270: Build You – The Truth About Working With, Not For, People at the Top
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The Truth About Build You – Working With, Not For, People at the Top
"Beyond a certain level, no one works for you anymore. They just work with you. Because the people at that level have 100 other options begging to have them. So you’re not doing them a favor by giving them a career. They’re doing you a favor by building you a company."
When it comes to building a successful business, one of the most important lessons to learn is that as you grow, your relationship with your team changes. What starts as a structure where people work for you evolves into a collaborative environment where people work with you. At the highest levels, the most talented individuals are not dependent on you to create their career—they are actively choosing to contribute to your vision, and they do so because they believe in your mission.
This quote brings to light the reality that once you reach a certain level of success, you’re no longer the one doing the favor by providing a job; the favor is now on the other side. The best and brightest people are in high demand, and they have many options. So, when they choose to work with you, they are helping you build something bigger. They are helping you build you.
Let’s look at the story of two business leaders—Jack and Maria—who navigated the transition from being the sole decision-maker to becoming a collaborator with their team. Their journeys highlight the importance of understanding the value of working with others, rather than for them.
Jack’s Struggle: From Boss to Manager
Jack started his company from the ground up. He was involved in every decision and prided himself on his ability to make things happen. In the early days, he hired people he could trust to execute his ideas, and they did so because they believed in his vision. But as Jack’s company grew, he started to encounter challenges. His employees, who once relied on him for direction, began to push back. They wanted more autonomy and began to question his decisions more frequently.
At first, Jack resisted. He still saw himself as the boss, the one with the answers. But as the team grew, he realized that the best people weren’t staying for the paycheck—they were staying because they wanted to be a part of something meaningful. Jack found himself in a difficult position. He couldn’t continue to make every decision on his own, especially when his employees had such valuable expertise.
Eventually, Jack accepted that he couldn’t do it alone. He began to shift his perspective. Instead of seeing his employees as people working for him, he started to see them as partners—people who were working with him to build the company. Once he let go of the need to control every aspect of the business, he found that his team became more invested in the company’s success. They started bringing their best ideas forward, and the company flourished.
Jack’s realization was clear: the people who worked with him were the ones who truly helped him build the business. They were no longer just employees—they were partners. This shift in mindset allowed Jack to create a company where everyone felt valued, and the business reached new heights.
Maria’s Approach: Building a Team of Collaborators
Maria, on the other hand, understood this concept early on. She was always aware that as her company grew, the people she hired would no longer simply be working for her—they would be working with her. From the very beginning, Maria cultivated a company culture that encouraged collaboration and mutual respect. She treated her employees as equals and involved them in key decisions from the start.
Maria wasn’t afraid to let go of control. She hired experts in various areas of the business and allowed them to take ownership of their roles. By doing so, she built a team of people who were highly motivated and invested in the company’s success. Her employees didn’t just work for a paycheck—they worked because they believed in the company’s vision and felt empowered to contribute to its growth.
Maria’s approach allowed her business to thrive. She had a team of talented individuals who were constantly innovating and pushing the company forward. She knew that the best way to build a successful business was not by trying to control every aspect but by empowering her team and trusting them to help build her company.
The Shift from “Working for You” to “Working with You”
As your business grows, the dynamic between you and your team will inevitably change. The most talented people will no longer view themselves as working for you—they will see themselves as working with you. Here’s why this shift is essential:
Talent Retention – The best people want to be part of something bigger. They have options, and they want to work for a company that values their input. When you treat them as collaborators rather than subordinates, they are more likely to stay with you for the long term.
Innovation – When your team feels empowered to contribute their ideas, the innovation within your business will soar. A collaborative environment fosters creativity and leads to better problem-solving.
Building a Stronger Company – The more people who are invested in the success of your company, the stronger your business becomes. It’s no longer about your vision alone; it’s about the collective vision of everyone who is working with you.
Sustainability – A business that relies on one person making all the decisions is inherently unsustainable. When you build a team of people who are equally committed to your company’s success, your business is more likely to endure and grow.
Conclusion
“Beyond a certain level, no one works for you anymore. They just work with you. Because the people at that level have 100 other options begging to have them. So you’re not doing them a favor by giving them a career. They’re doing you a favor by building you a company.”
The truth is that once you reach a certain level of success, you need to understand that you are no longer the one doing the favor. Your team is doing you a favor by choosing to contribute to your vision. When you shift your mindset from “working for you” to “working with you,” your business will flourish. The people who help you build you are the ones who will make your company stronger, more innovative, and more successful.
Moral: "Build you."
