You Need Some Friends

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

The idea that you can catapult yourself toward success is a myth - the "lone-star myth." The truth is, in the absence of talented friends and colleagues, you will never excel in your job, or reach your full potential.

** High-quality colleagues provide at least 4 important aids for your success:

1) They Help You Create Knowledge: In today's complex world, one can not master all the levels of expertise needed to consistently excel. That's why we need colleagues and friends, who have expertise in various fields, to help provide reliable sources of new information.

2) They Providing Accurate Feedback: Another advantage of high-quality colleagues is they can serve as our most astute and valuable sounding boards and critics.

3) They Can Help Deliver Your Products/Services: In many cases, we rely on others to position and deliver our products or services to clients. High-quality individuals can help secure customers - and provide valuable market intelligence that can improve your effectiveness.

4) They Can Enhance Your Reputation: Finally, high-performing colleagues can help strengthen your own reputation - simply because of your association with them. This is referred to as the "halo effect." This halo effect can benefit you by creating greater access to new opportunities and relationships.

* Surround yourself with quality individuals and win!