Relationships to achieve greater success in life

 

To achieve greater success, building a diverse network is essential—not just for immediate gains, but for long-term support and growth.

Here are 20 critical relationships and connections to cultivate:

Professional & Career Connections

1. Current Colleagues: The foundation for daily teamwork, trust, and creative problem-solving.
2. Direct Supervisors: Vital for feedback, day-to-day expectations, and career advocacy.
3. Former Colleagues: A bridge to new opportunities and unadvertised job openings.
4. Mentors: Experienced peers who provide guidance, advice, and a "big picture" perspective.
5. Industry Leaders: Connections with influential figures can provide deep market insights and strategic direction.
6. Recruiters: Specialists in your field who can help you land your "dream job".
7. Clients & Customers: Strong ties here lead to better service, loyalty, and sustainable business growth.
8. Interdepartmental Contacts: Connections outside your immediate team foster broader organizational understanding.
9. Professional Association Members: Peers in specialized groups who keep you abreast of industry trends.
10. Consultants & Experts: Specialized external resources for solving complex problems.

Personal & Growth-Oriented Connections

11. Relationship with Yourself: Prioritizing self-care and self-awareness is the bedrock for all other successful connections.
12. Family Members: A primary support system for resilience in the face of stress and trauma.
13. Close Friends: Real friends who stay through "the mess" and offer genuine emotional support.
14. Alumni & Former Classmates: A natural network based on shared history and educational backgrounds.
15. Professors & Educators: Past teachers often provide strong letters of recommendation and industry leads.
16. Role Models: People who reflect the person you want to become; their company inspires personal excellence.
17. Community & Volunteer Peers: Connections built through shared causes that expand your reach beyond work.
18. "Connectors": People who naturally enjoy introducing others, helping you bridge gaps in your network.
19. Strategic Allies: Peer-level partners who share your goals and can collaborate on mutual wins.
20. Trusted Advisors: A "sounding board" of diverse individuals for venting ideas and receiving honest feedback.

Which of these circles do you feel needs the most immediate attention—your professional network or your personal support system?

There are six human needs: love/connection, contribution, significance, variety, certainty, learning and growth. Love/connection is the most important basic human need. In order to achieve your full potential, you will need to build deep, trusting relationships with people in all areas of your life.

Here are at least 20 relationships for you to build in order to achieve greater success in life:

A. 3 LIFELINE RELATIONSHIPS

• Peer relationships with 4 main elements (generosity, vulnerability, candour, accountability)

B. 3 VITAL FRIENDS 

• 8 vital roles (builder, champion, collaborator, companion, connector, energizer, mind opener, navigator)

C. SPOUSE/PARTNER 

• People who are married tend to live longer. Married men particularly benefit from marriage.

D. 8 COACHES/MENTORS/ADVISORS/PROFESSIONALS

• Career, health, money, spouse/partner, friends/family/kids, physical environment, fun/hobbies, personal growth

E. PEER FORUM AND OR MASTERMIND GROUP 

• Peer group of Lifeline relationships with common goals
• Who are you and what do you want to get out of life?
• What are your strengths?
• Continue to build self-awareness and self-esteem

HERE ARE 6 STRATEGIES TO BUILD DEEP, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PEOPLE ON YOUR TOP 20 LIST:

1. Get real and park your ego: looking good, being right, being defensive, playing the blame game, needing to always be in control
2. Show respect: never say anything negative about anyone, get off your high horse
3. Choose a positive perspective on people: focus on strengths
4. Share your passions: what do you love to do?
5. Share your BHAGs (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals)
6. Share your past, present and future:
   • Past: 5 key events, 5 key choices, 5 key people in your life
   • Present: what are you worried about?
   • Future: What are you afraid of?

Book Sources

The Talent Advantage by Dr. Alan Weiss and Dr. Nancy MacKay, published by Wiley.

Who’s Got Your Back by Keith Ferrazzi

Vital Friends by Tom Rath

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

https://tinyurl.com/4vysfpar

It’s not just about who you know, but how deeply you connect:

Meaningful relationships can dramatically influence your career trajectory and open doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach.

❓ Why focus on meaningful connections?

➟ They provide richer, more reliable support.
➟ They enhance your understanding of industry trends.
➟ They create mutual opportunities for growth.

👉 Here’s how to build connections that are not only wide but also deep:

1️⃣ Be Genuine
2️⃣ Listen Actively
3️⃣ Show Empathy
4️⃣ Share Vulnerability
5️⃣ Offer Help and Support
6️⃣ Foster Mutual Respect
7️⃣ Celebrate Milestones
8️⃣ Remember Details
9️⃣ Be Present
🔟 Follow Up

📌 PS...Remember, networking is about quality connections, not just quantity

https://tinyurl.com/2h6c72m9