Encourage your entourage
The rich and famous are known for their entourages.
Some of the more diva-like amongst them don't go anywhere without their personal assistant, publicist, hairdresser. Some have bodyguards, drivers, nannies, chefs and trainers.
Not everyone has the Kardashian level of entourage but I can guarantee that anyone you've ever heard of has a set of other people that they rely on to help them get to where they're going.
But wait Sarah, I am but a mere mortal! Are you suggesting I get myself entouraged-up?
Yes I am!
Yours is going to look a little different but the concept is the same.
Career activism, especially when you're shooting for leadership positions is made so much easier when you gather your posse around you.
Who, in your life, plays these roles for you?
Trusted advisor
MentorCoach
Ear-to-bend
PaI-in-the-same-boat person
Accountability buddy
Friend
Confidant
Champion
Sponsor
If all those roles are currently filled by one person and that person is also your best friend/line manager/partner then beware!
Nobody can be your sun, moon and stars. You need different people around you who play different roles in your life. Sometimes the arrangements are formal, often they're informal. You don't usually make an agreement with someone to be your ear-to-bend pal but you might notice that there is someone in your circle who plays that role for you (and perhaps you for them if it's reciprocal). On the other hand you might formalise an arrangement with a mentor or coach.
You're not supposed to do this on your own.
The leader's life can be lonely sometimes and from what I see out in the field, those who are successful at maintaining their mental health in a job where pressure is par for the course surround themselves with key people they can rely on regularly. And they often pay forward this reliability by playing one or more of the entourage roles in someone else's life.
Maybe you're already paying it forward if you notice you're someone else's champion, friend or trusted advisor.
When is it time for you?
And how will you start gathering your own support network around you?