Even the most independent and self-sufficient among us need a cheering section when striving for our biggest goals. Think of elite athletes with their coaches and trainers, successful entrepreneurs with their mentors and advisory boards, or even artists who thrive in collaborative communities.
Allies play a crucial role in Rick Tamlyn’s Bigger Game framework. They’re the individuals who champion your dreams, offer guidance, and lend a helping hand when you need it most. Let’s explore what allies are, how to identify them, and how to cultivate relationships that support your bigger game journey.
Defining Allies
In the Bigger Game framework, allies are the people, resources, and even practices that empower you to play your bigger game. They provide encouragement, guidance, accountability, and the inspiration you need to keep moving forward. While friends and family often play a significant role, it’s important to note that allies can take many other forms.
Here are some examples:
- People: Mentors who share their wisdom and experience, coaches who provide guidance and challenge you to grow, colleagues who offer collaboration and support, friends who uplift you, and family who provide a loving foundation. Support groups or communities with shared interests can also offer a sense of belonging and encouragement.
- Resources: Educational resources like books, online courses, workshops, and events can offer valuable knowledge and skills. Don’t forget about the power of online communities that provide support, motivation, and practical advice.
- Pets and Animals: While it may seem surprising, pets and animals can be powerful allies in your bigger game. Their unconditional love, companionship, and ability to reduce stress can be incredibly therapeutic and uplifting.
- Practices: Healthy practices that nourish your body and mind are also allies. Meditation, exercise, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative pursuits can provide balance, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels.
- Beliefs: Whether it’s a spiritual or philosophical framework, beliefs that resonate with you can provide strength and guidance. They can serve as a moral compass, helping you navigate difficult decisions and stay true to your values.
The Roles Allies Play
It’s important to remember that you can’t play a bigger game entirely on your own. When it comes to playing your bigger game, allies are essential players on your team. They serve as serve as guides, mentors, and sources of strength as you strive toward your goals.
Think of allies as your personal board of advisors, mentors, cheerleaders, and challengers all rolled into one. They provide guidance and wisdom based on their own experiences, offering a different viewpoint that can spark new ideas or solutions. They celebrate your successes and offer a listening ear during setbacks, reminding you that you’re not alone. And perhaps most importantly, they push you to step outside your comfort zone and expand your vision of what’s possible. Their belief in you can ignite a fire within, motivating you to keep reaching higher and playing bolder.
Ultimately, allies help you become the best version of yourself. By surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and support your growth, you create a powerful network of support that enables you to play a bigger game than you ever thought possible.
How to Find Your Allies
Building a strong network of allies doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, openness, and a willingness to seek out connections that align with your goals. Here are some strategies to help you find allies who can support, challenge, and inspire you.
Reflect on Your Needs
The first step in finding allies is understanding what specific types of support you need most. Are you craving emotional encouragement to stay motivated? Do you need practical assistance with certain tasks or projects? Maybe you’re seeking guidance and expertise in a particular area, like navigating a career change or starting a business.
Take some time for introspection and consider the different areas where you could benefit from additional support. By identifying your needs, you’ll be better equipped to seek out allies who can provide exactly what you’re looking for.
Network with Intention
Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to network with intention. Attend industry events, conferences, or workshops where you’re likely to meet people who share your interests and passions. Consider joining online communities or forums dedicated to your field or specific goals. These are valuable spaces to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and find potential mentors or collaborators.
You might also consider taking advantage of social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry or field of interest. Reach out to people you admire, engage in conversations, and offer your own insights and support. Remember, networking isn’t just about what others can do for you. It’s about building mutually beneficial relationships where you can exchange knowledge, resources, and encouragement.
Be Open to Unexpected Connections
Sometimes, the most valuable allies appear in unexpected places. Be open to serendipity and chance encounters. Strike up conversations with people you meet, share your passions and aspirations, and actively listen to their stories. You never know who might offer a unique perspective, valuable insight, or a connection that opens doors you never imagined.
Cultivating an open and curious mindset is key to finding allies in unexpected corners of your life. This could be a neighbor who shares your love for gardening, a fellow passenger on a train who sparks a conversation about your career goals, or even a stranger who offers a word of encouragement just when you need it most.
Actively Ask for Help
Many of us hesitate to ask for help, fearing vulnerability or judgment. But reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. When you need assistance, don’t be afraid to express your needs and ask for help. You might be surprised by the willingness of others to offer their time, expertise, or simply a listening ear.
Whether it’s reaching out to a mentor for guidance, asking a colleague for feedback on a project, or confiding in a friend during a difficult time, actively seeking support can be a game-changer. Remember, your allies want to see you succeed, and by asking for their help, you’re not only benefiting yourself but also strengthening your connections with them.
Building Your Support Network
Remember, you don’t have to navigate your bigger game alone. Building a network of allies is a proactive and powerful way to fuel your growth, provide support during challenges, and amplify your impact. Take the time to reflect on your needs, intentionally seek out connections, and remain open to unexpected opportunities.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to help. As a leadership development coach, I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of achieving their goals. Contact me today to learn more!