One of the secrets of being a success leader is building strong alliances. No matter how seemingly good and experienced you are, or even if you hold a top position in an organization, the time will come that you will need the help of someone else. 

Having a network of trusted and reliable sources and helping hands are essential, whether you are working as a staff, a manager, or even the business owner. Great leaders build well-working teams that support each other towards success, instead of working in a vacuum trying to achieve success  on their own.  Learning how to be successful as a leader is more than just relying on your personal skills.  It requires you to work collaboratively with others, who you can go to for help, support and advice when you need it.

Here are a few tips to help you build effective alliances:

Create connections

If you think about it you are surrounded by so many different people. For managers, there are people who work in your team; for regular staff, you have peers working in the same level as you. Consider these people as stakeholders—they are an important part of the work you do and can help you reach your professional goals faster. Create connections with these people and consider each one of them as your ally, by this you will learn how to be successful as a leader.

Value your alliances

Now that you realize the need for alliances, you need to understand the value of these people to the work you do and the goals you have. Identify which of them can train you in each aspects of your work, then let that person know that you seek their help.  Recognize that they have ideas you may not have considered or be able to offer insights or advice that moves you along more quickly.  And remember to tell your alliances that you are also willing to offer your support, help etc. when they need you. 

Keep growing your base

Continue to grow your network. Set up meetings with other departments and groups around you on a regular basis to build a culture of collaboration and mutual support.  Being available to others helps them achieve their goals, as well as you achieving yours.  Remember that building strong alliances is an ongoing process. You face many different challenges every day and having a good support group goes a long way.

Stop trying to work on your own vacuum, you won’t accomplish much if you work alone. Learn how to collaborate and work with others who have different backgrounds and skill sets as you do. Building a network of alliances is the first step of learning how to be successful as a leader and influencer in any industry.

Want to know what kind of leader you are today?  And wouldn’t it be helpful to understand how the leader you are today impacts you achieving your goals?  It’s easy to find out.  Simply click the link below and take our leadership quiz.

© Incedo Group, LLC