So, I’m having a unique challenge. At my firm, we’ve been recruiting for a few open positions for about a year. We’ve tried local and global recruiting companies but nothing has worked. Somehow, we just haven’t found the right “chemistry” among the shortlisted candidates.

Recently, we decided to open up the positions internationally to non-Nigerians. We’re taking advantage of the global talent marketplace that COVID-19 and remote working have created.

But today something occurred to me. I remembered previous organizations I’ve worked with. All the great candidates were recruited directly, and not through agencies. Now, while I’m not going to open my inbox to thousands of applicants, I need to be actively involved and take a very personal interest. I ought to move from an outsourced mindset to an engaged one.

When something is important to you, you do it yourself. It occupies a prime position in your schedule and is given optimal resources. You bring your A-game to bear. And so, that’s what I’m doing now.

I play a leadership role in 3 organizations. But this month, I scaled back all plans and activities to focus on only 1. Until I’m done building structures and processes, I won’t take my eye off the ball. Like Jack, I’m metaphorically stepping down from Twitter to focus on only Block.

When your venture is young, give it your full attention. Do things yourself. Set the culture and the bar for excellence. But actively create systems and processes. When the boat is finally able to sail without you, you can then step back.

For more, please read Do I Really Have Integrity?