Power ahead with your alliances

Surrounding yourself with the right people helps you learn things more quickly and to benefit from the success lessons that others have gained the hard way. Here’s a profile of the kind of people to enlist into your career circle for success. Choose people who;

ARE SUCCESSFUL THEMSELVES: Iron sharpens iron and associating with people who are doing well helps you become better. This is because you operate from a higher base and get to the top faster. Don’t bow to any internal securities that might tempt you to surround yourself with people less successful people in order to feel on top.

WISH YOU WELL: Successful people don’t feel the need to prove anything and are often willing to help you learn what will bring you results. Such people would be ordinarily optimistic and uplifting people who influence your outlook on life , boost your confidence levels and performance.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE: They've "been there, done that" and willing to share and invest in you. They may not have experience in your particular industry but are able to help you become the person you need to be to succeed, be a reliable sounding board; provide a second opinion and sometimes emotional support when you need it.

GIVE YOU HONEST FEEDBACK: Receiving feedback especially when its critical is not easy and so it’s important to have people around you who are willing to tell you what you need to know in a way that you’ll appreciate it. This is even more important if you are in a senior position and tend to give others feedback rather than receive it yourself. Trusting such people means that you can be proactive also about seeking feedback.

HAVE INTEGRITY: Its a common mistake for people not to think they are influenced by the people around them for good or bad. If you aspire to progress in your personal and professional life, begin by accepting full responsibility for the people you welcome into your inner circle and reduce the time you spend those who add little value.

PUSH YOU TO DO MORE: You boss would normally do this in your current role. But looking to your line manager as a mentor for wider career success typically isn’t the best option. You need someone who doesn’t have a stake in your performance. Someone other than your boss helps you cast your vision wider to prospects beyond the focus of your current role and organisation.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN BECOME: Not everyone you regularly associate with is good for your future. It's very hard trying to venture out into an impactful career when you are surrounded by people who don't share your drive, or lack belief in themselves and consequently in you. Withdraw from people who bring negativity in your life lest they drag you down with themselves.

Now take action: Name 5-8 people with the above profile you will actively associate with.