The Power of People Who Truly Want You to Succeed
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career—both as a doer and as an executive coach—is that the people who genuinely want to see you win will help you win. These are the colleagues, mentors, friends, and even competitors who will pour their time, wisdom, and encouragement into your success because they believe in your potential.
Recognizing the Right People
It’s easy to confuse proximity with support. Just because someone is in your orbit doesn’t mean they’re invested in your growth. The ones who truly want to see you win are those who:
- Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small: They don’t view your success as a threat. Instead, they revel in it and make you feel like you’ve truly earned it.
- Challenge You Constructively: These individuals aren’t afraid to tell you the hard truths. They’ll push you to think differently, work smarter, and overcome obstacles.
- Offer Help Without Strings Attached: Their support comes from a place of generosity, not because they expect something in return.
- Stay Consistent: They’re there in the highs and the lows, offering encouragement when things are tough and cheering you on when you’re on top.
The Power of Paying It Forward
For nearly four decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside people who embodied this mindset. These are individuals who’ve shared their insights, opened doors, and, at times, picked me up when I stumbled. Their belief in me became a foundation for my growth, and it taught me the importance of doing the same for others.
As I transitioned into coaching and leadership roles, I made it my mission to create a ripple effect. When you help someone else win, you’re not just boosting their career—you’re building a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. This mindset isn’t just good for individuals; it’s good for teams, organizations, and even entire industries.
How to Be That Person
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can be the person who helps others win, here are a few ways to start:
- Be Generous with Your Knowledge: Share your expertise freely. Whether it’s advice on navigating a tricky situation or a recommendation for a book that changed your perspective, small gestures can have a big impact.
- Mentor Without Judgment: Recognize that everyone is on their own journey. Offer guidance with empathy and without expecting them to mirror your path exactly.
- Advocate for Others: Use your platform to elevate those around you. Nominate someone for an opportunity, give credit where it’s due, and champion their abilities.
- Celebrate Their Success: Whether it’s a text message, a LinkedIn shout out, or a heartfelt conversation, let people know you’re proud of their achievements.
A Final Thought
When I reflect on my career, I’m reminded of the many people who showed up for me—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. They taught me that success is rarely a solo journey. It’s built on the shoulders of those who’ve helped us see what’s possible and equipped us to make it a reality.
To those who’ve been part of my journey, thank you. To those I’ve had the privilege to support, I hope you’ll continue the cycle. And to anyone reading this, remember: the people who want to see you win are out there. Find them, appreciate them, and when the time comes, be that person for someone else.
