What is a Lifeline?

Posted on May 22nd, 2009 by Keith Ferrazzi

In Never Eat Alone, I wrote about how I had created a broad network of friends and allies that supercharged my career, making me one of the youngest successful CMOs out there. But back then, the fact was that while I had more connections than just about anyone I knew, I had few close, intimate relationships with people I could really open up to, share my fears and failures with, and ask for help. And the really powerful relationships I did have – my family, some intimate friends I’d had for years – weren’t ones who could really deliver the kind of insight and feedback on my career and life that I needed to hear then.

I needed a few key people who had my back, who I could talk to about anything and who would encourage and support me, tell me the truth even when it was a truth I might not want to hear, and who would hold me accountable every step of the way. I needed what I today call “lifeline relationships.”

Those who have lifeline relationships are able to get the feedback, perspective, and input that are the lifeblood of effective decision makers. The better you become at building such relationships, particularly in your professional life, the better you’ll be at what you do, and the more value you’ll bring to the table, whether you work inside or outside an organizations.

In Who’s Got Your Back, I lay out the strategy to build those relationships in your life, both within your current circles and beyond. You’ll find they have a disproportionate effect, and an incredibly positive one, on who you are, who you become, and what kind of life and success you create for yourself and your community.

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