Find yourself some sparring partners! Not the kind like in Rocky or the one in the boxing ring, not the sparring partner you go at in that way. Find someone who will come into your office or conference room and help you to think about and strategize ideas.
These people are invaluable to me at Service Express. As I think about where we are now and where we want to go in the future, I need people I can debate with, bounce ideas off and have differing opinions. I want to look at an issue from one perspective, then pivot and look at it from the other side without freaking someone out. I like to look at problems from all angles; that’s the only way to determine if it’s the right fit for me.
No matter what your title, position, location or department, I want people around me who aren’t afraid to get in the proverbial ring with me and spar. I search for those people. It makes me better as a leader and helps me think through where I’m going.
Think about that in your organization, professional or even your personal life. Who are your sparring partners? Do you have people who are willing to go toe-to-toe with you? If you don’t, think of who that could be or who you could trust to be that. It’ll provide valuable perspective for you in your personal or professional life.
