ARE YOU CONNECTED TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN 2016!

Happy New Year!

On December 30, 2015, the New York Daily News published an article entitled, “8 New Year’s Resolutions to Make 2016 Your Best Year.” In the article, the eight resolutions that were highlighted by the writer included getting your finances together, securing a better job, adding a regular workout to your already busy schedule, cooking more at home, being a better parent, doing something to enrich your life, falling in love, and getting at least eight hours of sleep per night.

These New Year’s Resolutions are all incredible things to consider; but I believe that one of the hidden secrets of personal, career, and leadership success is simply taking the time to evaluate, reflect, and determine what type of relationships you plan to create in the New Year. Very few people ask themselves, “With whom do I plan to spend my time?” “With whom should I network and build healthy relationships?” “Whom do I plan to make a part of my dream team?” “In whom do I plan to invest my time this year?” “Whom do I plan to let go, and what new relationships would I like to develop in the New Year?”

Sadly, because of the impact that personal and career relationships have on all of us, this lack of reflection and evaluation prevents many people from reaching their full potential as leaders. Each year, many people fail to attain their visions, aspirations, dreams, and goals because they have not taken them time to reflect, evaluate, and surround themselves with people who can help them make these positive ambitions a reality.
 
Jim Collins, author of From Good to Great, talks about “getting the right people on the bus,” and Les Brown, world-renowned speaker extraordinaire, states that “your friends are a picture of your future.” These wise men are telling us that the people with whom we surround ourselves not only affect our future, but our success as leaders.

Since relationships have such a powerful impact on personal, career, and leadership success, it’s incredibly important to begin the New Year with a clear understanding about the people who can help us succeed in 2016. In addition to your vision, strategic action plans, and other unique habits that you plan to create in 2016, take some time to determine which types of people you want to have in your life so that you can reach your fullest potential in the coming year.
 
For this week’s leadership message, I want to focus on four things we should consider as we evaluate the relationships that we plan to create in 2016!

Does the Other Person Share Your Values, Passion, and Purpose in Life?

 
When you are developing a quality friendship or relationship with someone else, ask yourself “Do the other person and I share similar values, passions, and purposes in life?” Do your life goals, your values system, and your deepest passions align with those of the people with whom you are creating meaningful connections for 2016?
 
These elements are foundational components of quality relationships, and when they are in sync, they lead to healthy, fruitful, and sustainable connections.

Can the Other Person and I Help One Another Reach Our Fullest Potential?

 
The second question that we should consider when we are developing a quality relationship is, “Can this person and I help one another reach our fullest potential?” Do the other person and I have the capacity and the desire to help each other reach our life goals?
 
Quality friendships become much stronger when both parties are empowering each other to reach their fullest potential in life. As human beings, we need the support of others to achieve our ultimate potential in life; so we must select and surround ourselves with the right people- people who have been gifted to positively impact our lives. That also means that we must look for people whom we can help and support as well.

Does the Other Person Want the Best for You?

 
The third question to ask when you are developing any relationship is, “Does the other person want what is best for me?” Does the insight, wisdom, and advice you are receiving from that person come from a place of authentic support? Is there a hidden agenda or an underlying reason why someone has taken the time to be part of your life?
 
I have found that people who want the best for you will provide you with the support and empowerment you need to succeed. They will also be the people that you can trust in both the good and the bad times. These people are not only there for you when things are great; they are with you when you are facing some of your greatest challenges in life, when others may have given up on you.
 
On the flip side, when there is a hidden agenda, people will only support you as long as their hidden agenda is being fueled by the friendship or relationship.

Do You and the Other Person Truly Believe in One Another?

 
The fourth question to consider when developing a quality friendship is, “Do you and the other person truly believe in one another?” Essentially, do you and the other person believe in one another so much that you support each other 110%? Do you speak highly of one another to others, and do you believe completely in each other’s aspirations? Are you willing to be an advocate for the other person and to stand with each other through the ups and downs of life?
 
This question is so vital because quality friendships and relationships are most powerful when both parties fully believe in one another and provide amazing support despite the circumstances. The faith of others within your circle of friends can either elevate you to a higher level or cause you to miss out on your destiny as a leader in the 21st century.

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