Discover Your True North by Bill George

Author:Bill George
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781119082941
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2015-07-09T14:00:00+00:00

Building Support Teams

If you were facing a highly challenging problem like Piper was, whom would you turn to for support? Many leaders try to hunker down and fix problems themselves without reaching out for help. Without confidants to provide perspective in crisis, it is very easy to lose your way, as Lehman's Richard Fuld did. That's a risky course of action, because during a crisis is when you most need to depend upon people with whom you have built trusting relationships over a long period.

Leaders do not succeed on their own. The loneliness of leadership has been well documented, but the remedies have not. Everyone has insecurities; some people are just more open about them than others. Even the most outwardly assured executives need support and appreciation. Authentic leaders build close relationships with people who will counsel them in times of uncertainty, be there in times of difficulty, and celebrate with them in times of success.

Essentially, leaders facing personal or professional turmoil face two choices: Wear a mask or reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings to those closest to them. Many leaders choose to wear a mask even with their spouses, advisers, leadership teams, and friends. If you do not reveal your vulnerabilities to these trusted people, giving voice to your uncertainties and acknowledging your fears as Tad Piper did, leadership becomes a very lonely place.

Having people in your life with whom you share confidentially ensures that you will have support when you need it most. Your support team can provide affirmation, advice, perspective, suggestions for course corrections, and, above all, love. During their most difficult times, leaders find comfort in being with people on whom they can rely so that they can be open and vulnerable. During the low points, they cherish the friends who appreciate them for who they are, not what they are.

Leaders need a multifaceted support structure that includes their spouse or significant other, family members, mentors, close friends, and personal and professional support groups. Their support team helps them stay on track, especially when outside forces pressure them to deviate. Many leaders have built their support networks over time, as the experiences, shared histories, and willingness to be vulnerable create the trust and confidence they need in times of uncertainty. Leaders must give as much to their relationships as they receive so that mutually beneficial bonds can develop.

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