Building Your Empowerment Circle for 2008

Now more than ever, women need to insure to surround themselves with other supportive, positive women and men. With the hectic lives that most of us lead, the complexity of most careers and relationships and the high expectations that we all have set for ourselves, it is critical that we seek and obtain assistance.

I recently listened to a lecture on tape and the lecturer reminded us of the need to always seek good counsel. This resonated with me because its exactly what the concept of empowerment circles is based on—seeking good sound advice and counsel from individuals you trust. Just think of how many bad decisions that you might have avoided if only you had sought and received good advice.

Things to look for:

1. The people you invite into your circle have an expertise in the business or industry that you that you are a part of

2. At least one or more of the individuals has achieved the goals you are aspiring to achieve to

3. The people you invite in have your best interest at heart

4. Each individual is comfortable expressing their honest opinions and or not just “yes people”

5. The individuals are available and willing to offer you counsel

People to avoid:

1. Negative people, moody people or people without vision. These people can’t help you and more likely to bring you down and drain your energy.

2. Individuals who have no opinions or who are too timid to express it to you for whatever reason.

3. Individuals who are competing with you; they will never offer you any good advice.

4. Individuals who have no experience with what you are trying to achieve. Although these individuals may make good movie partners, they really can’t help you with your career goals.

5. Individuals who are jealous of you. Lets face it, there are some people who will be jealous of your career focused and ambitious approach to life. They might be openly or secretly jealous of you and your efforts. These people will not empower you.

Now its your time to make your list of 5 positive and negative traits you want to avoid in individuals you identify for your empowerment circles. Think of those deal breakers. After you have made your list, now think of five people you can invite into your circle.

Now that you have identified the pertinent characteristics and you have identified people to invite in, figure out when you can start meeting with and brainstorming with your new inner circle. Use this time to start to develop your 2007 resolutions.

These goals will have more meaning than the typical new year’s resolution to lose 10 pounds or save more money. Often those resolutions are made without any action plans, reasonable expectations or support for your goal. With your empowerment circle, you can methodically develop goals, action-plans and gain support. Remember, this is your season to soar.