Vidusha Nathavitharana is an author and trainer on leadership issues. He argues that you need five key people in your close circle.
A Supporter. This is someone who believes in you and likes you. They are generally positive and supportive about your plans and ambitions. They might be your partner at home or a colleague at work. Whenever you feel down you can chat to this person and they will help refresh, inspire and motivate you.
A Challenger. A person who challenges you to achieve more. They might say, ‘Well done but what is next?’ They know that you are capable of more and they push you to achieve it. For many youngsters this is their mother or father.
A Questioner. This is a useful person to have in any team. They ask tough questions in a constructive manner. When you advance your great new idea they probe it with questions that you had not anticipated. They help keep you grounded and on the right track.
A Mentor or Coach. Someone you can turn to for advice and guidance. Early on this was a teacher or a parent. Later at work it helps to turn to someone who has the experience and wisdom to ask you the right questions and keep you pointing in the right direction. This is someone with whom you can discuss your deepest concerns with complete discretion.
A Technical Expert. In many situations you need a subject matter expert or technical guru to whom you can turn. Don’t wing it. Ask an expert and listen to their advice.
Many thanks for sharing this !!! I honestly believe that having the right ‘inner circle’ truly helps you grow and also : ensure you are always ‘in check’…
The challenger may help you to show your talents and abilities on purpose, and that is in terms of the confidence he sees in you, and how you carry more than that, but you just need someone to encourage you and warm you up in that.
Hi Fadl… True… It is important to have someone who supports and nurtures you too… Sometimes, having someone who truly believes in you is all you need : you can always figure things out : but having that emotional rock matters…
Someone a long time ago told me – “create your own board of directors of members your trust – one spiritual advisor, one career coach/mentor, one financial professional, one legal representative and one motivator”. For me these were wise words and I believe the same holds true for any new entrepreneur or innovator looking to shepherd their idea. Thanks for sharing this important guidance with others.
Cheers-
Dr. Andrew Pilon
@eyetechguru
who are your 5 Paul?