Partners: A Key to Next Level Success

In the October 18 issue of Fortune magazine they published their annual list of the “Most Powerful Women” in business.  Landing the #6 slot is Oprah Winfrey; the feature article is “Oprah’s Next Act”.  Patricia Sellers begins her report…

Oprah Winfrey was headed into her “la-di-da years” – her term for semiretirement –when David Zaslav came along and wrecked her grand plan.  The queen of TV talk had never met the CEO of Discovery Communications until he arrived at her Chicago office in April 2007 with a proposition.

You can read details and will, no doubt hear more of the story as OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network launches January 1, 2011. 

My interest is not about OWN or even Oprah, it is the story and what we can learn or remember regarding how things get done.

Everybody NEEDS Somebody, Sometimes

My apology to Dean Martin and his famous oldie “Everybody loves somebody sometimes…”

However, this is true…everybody needs somebody to partner with in order to BE all we can be as human beings; and yes, to achieve what we are called to do.

What’s your dream?

David Zaslav had a “grand plan” to create a new cable network.

Oprah had a plan to move into “semiretirement”.  

However, starting over 3 years ago they began creating something new;  yes, they “need” each other to make the dream come true.

How’s your support system?

When we decide to live with purpose and passion and make a difference in the world with our lives, talent, gifts, and work we will need the support of others.

Everyone needs encouragement, active help, someone to “be there for us”, assistance or comfort when the winds of opposition and resistance seem greater than our ability to stay the course…in orde to pursue the dream.

How is your support system?

What about effective partnerships?

Of course there are legal partnerships; that’s not what I have in mind. Instead it is a relationship-base cooperative effort that allows something greater to be accomplished.  Left to myself, by myself I cannot reach my full potential as a person. I need you.

This one of the reasons I love my work as an executive coach. I am priviledged to come alongside people who want support along their personal growth journey.  

On another application of support, Steven Scott, author of Mentored by a Millionaire writes…

Every person in history who has achieved his or her impossible dream has done so by effectively using this strategy of effective partnering…I am referring to any individual or company that can be recruited by someone to perform tasks that are necessary for the optimal achievement of any important project, goal, or dream.  (Page 64, 65)

Every person in history…!

Partners are a part of what I call in coaching our “Support System”.  These people are involved in your life and journey at a deeper level.  They know you, your strengths and weaknesses, and they are present not only to encourage but supply appropriate accountability.

Whether you own a business, work at corporate, run a start-up company, manage a business or department, serve as an employee or manager, mate or parent…as long as you have a personal dream, the likelihood of success increases dramatically when you share  the journey…when you develop a solid support system.

What’s your destination?

Who do you want to be? How do you want to change?

What do you want to accomplish?

How will you make a difference in your world?

Whether you want to develop yourself as a leader, enjoy the fruit of personal growth, develop meaningful personal relationships, tweak a limiting behavior, attain financial freedom, lose weight, play more, or improve your eating habits the value of having others on the path with you is essential.

How are you supporting your Next Level Journey?

Dave Zaslav came up with the idea of partnering with Oprah after thumbing through his wife’s copy of O magazine. He did not ask for a financial investment, he asked for her involvement.

What idea or dream have you let go of? 

Who can help you make it happen?

Who are the three or four people in your support system? Really? 

Please comment below; I’d love to hear from you. 

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