Page 134 - Free Yourself From

Forming Your Own Board of Directors 117

The Why of Your Relationships

Next, start to think about what these relationships have that actually
make up your strategic network. Consider, why do you maintain rela-
tionships with these particular people and why have you let other
relationships dissolve away or fail to develop?
In particular, in terms of your current job, who of these people
has helped you or could help you do the following?

• Improve your results
• Develop new skills
•Learn more
• Take a different perspective on business issues you deal with
• Identify or cultivate supporters for your important initiatives
• Mentor or develop others
• Form strategic alliances outside your organization
• Make your team more visible to key executives
• Provide support, encouragement, or advice when you need it
• Break through organizational barriers

These are all valid uses of your strategic relationships and you
ought to have at least two or three people who can help you with
each of them in this network!
In terms of your career and/or professional growth, who of these
people has helped you or could help you with the following?

• Let people know who you are
• Clarify your career path
• Improve your opportunities for promotion
• Gain additional expertise you need to achieve your career
goals