Surround yourself with people who empower you

You can always benefit from the input of others no matter how successful you are, how much money you make, or what your reputation is among your peers. Throughout my career, I've actively sought out advice from whom I call empowering people.

Empowering people are individuals who give you new ideas and energy. These people are good to have in your life.

Surround yourself with empowering people

You have many options for finding empowering people. Any time you attend a conference, convention, symposium, or gathering of industry professionals, you will likely find someone with whom you can build a long-term relationship.

Maybe there is someone in your office right now, or in your larger community, who contributes to your thoughts and goals when you speak on a semi-regular basis. It's entirely possible that friends from high school, college, medical school, and/or special courses can serve as empowering people. If you found such a person, now’s the time to “up” the relationship by connecting more regularly to gain valuable input.  

Key indicators of empowering people

How do you know you are in the presence of someone who has the potential to inspire you today and empower you tomorrow? Among many other qualities, this person:

• Looks forward to hearing from you. However frequently you are in touch, he or she is glad you made contact. When you do connect, you know that sparks fly. You feel positive about the relationship and find that new ideas are likely to emerge will fly as a result of your conversations.
• Listens to you closely. Let's face it: It’s satisfying to have someone listen to you and reflect upon what you said. So often in life, people only give us their partial attention. Empowering people listen to you in a way that lets you know they value your thoughts and time, too.
• Appreciates receiving your input and is willing to heed your advice. Empowered people are grateful for your time and for the relationship itself. They prioritize you as much as you prioritize them.

Any way you cut it, you want to have a bevy of empowering people in your life. Get out there and start finding them.

Jeff Davidson is "The Work-Life Balance Expert®" and a thought leader on work-life balance issues. He speaks to organizations that seek to enhance their overall productivity by improving the work-life balance of their people. Visit breathingspace.com for more information.