---

As a leader, you may often feel alone and isolated, especially when making critical decisions.  But you don’t have to go it alone.  Make it a practice to discuss concerns with colleagues inside and outside your organization.  Position the conversation as an opportunity to connect with a peer and share.

To get the most out of your time, engage in straight talk.  This means leaving your ego at the office and putting aside the need to have all the answers, look good or be the smartest person in the room.  Honestly and candidly share whatever is pressing and keeping you up at night.  Then, listen to your colleague – what’s going on with them and thoughts they have about you and your situation. 

Supportive peer-to-peer conversations are a great way to strengthen relationships and develop real solutions to vexing challenges.

---