Make Trusted Connections and Keep Them

Leaders sometimes become isolated in their roles as they face a seemingly never-ending wave of daily obstacles and long-term challenges. It can be difficult to find someone in whom you can confide about these issues when the going gets tough. As a leader, you need to identify trusted friends with whom you can talk occasionally in confidence about your challenges or problems at work, without going into company specifics or private details. Value these folks as both professional and personal friends — and keep them close.

A great leader knows how important it is to have trusted peer-to-peer friends.