When you truly know yourself, you quickly become aware of your limitations.

This is normal; no one is self-sufficient. We do not possess all the skills in the world, especially considering that some skills are mutually exclusive. Understanding our limits is an asset when choosing a business partner. Just like the human body, we require the complementary skills of our partner.

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many… If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’” – 1 Corinthians 12:14-21

It is crucial to identify these skills in order to choose a partner who possesses what we lack. This is why it was important to first have a good understanding of oneself. In the pursuit of self-awareness, do not try to deceive yourself. There’s no harm in admitting, “I am not dynamic.” It’s essential to be honest and authentic. Without this, you may end up partnering with someone who lacks dynamism but falsely claims otherwise, and your project might not see the light of day until 2040.

When I wanted to establish a mosquito-repellent soap manufacturing industry in Africa, I had no expertise in chemistry. I clearly knew that I needed a partner with a chemistry background.

A complementary person will propel your project forward.

This text is an excerpt from the book “Finding the Right Associate ” written by Alain Patrice Ngaleu.