It takes Teamwork to make the Dreamwork. None of us successfully accomplish our goals completely alone. The unfortunate reality is however, is many of us will drive thru life on a one man team chasing our tails. Have you ever heard the saying “Behind every successful man is a good woman?” Or how about “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Both sentiments adequately describe the need for you to find a team to find the success you desire.

There are several characteristics that each of us need in the people who will make up our team.

  • A Ride or Die – Someone to go to war with
  • Cheerleader – Someone who will be there to push you when you’re feeling weak
  • Sounding Board – Someone who has some experience and can give you awesome feedback
  • Purest – Someone who keeps you true to yourself
  • Mentor/Role Model – Someone who has been where you’re and can provide you insights to shortcuts
  • Ass Kicker – Part cheerleader, part purest. Someone who simply keeps it real, and calls you out on our crap

To explain further on a few of these, A Ride or Die support person will drop anything immediately if you express a need of their help. This can often be a parent, sibling, spouse, or family member – but they’ll definitely be someone whom you’ve already experienced some critical life events with.

The Purest is the character that will tell you how things are with no filter. They tell you when you are right or wrong, and does so with only loving intentions – only wanting whats best for you.

You don’t have to have all 6 characteristics fulfilled by different individuals, however you do need each characteristic present on your team. For instance, one person could be the cheerleader, purest, and mentor all in one.

Each of us needs a trusted support system, but so many of us don’t have one. I can’t stress this enough, but without people on your team you’re at a SEVERE disadvantage. So, how do you fix it? Where do you find your squad?

In today’s interconnected world, you can easily begin to fill in your team with just a little research. Evaluated your current team, then look to initially fill out your team with surrogate support until you get the position filled full time. These might be online resource groups and lifestyle coaches that you might take advantage of in the short to mid term. You can find coaches at any budget to help you accomplish your goals. Remember, you get what you pay for but if your budget is tight, start low and build on that. The most important thing at the beginning stages of identifying and developing your team is to get started.

If you’d like to take a look at some of the team-building services my Gant University coaches can offer, take a look here.