Some years ago I listened to an Army Ranger commander speaking at our men’s group. During the Q&A he was asked what one thing he would always take into a battle with the enemy. He instantly responded, “My Ranger buddy who can carry me out when I get hit.”
I think the person asking the question was expecting the answer to be a weapon or tool, not a person. I turned to my dad next to me and said, “When, not if.” My dad nodded back.
No matter what your leadership role, you need trusted partners for your journey. (Yes, there are necessary lonely moments in leadership.) Develop relationships which matter by investing in people and sharing experiences.
If you’ve been burned by trusting people, I encourage you to trust again. The upside potential of generously trusting people is far larger than the downside risks.
