It’s that time of the year as thoughts turn inward and we weigh our accomplishments. It’s also a time to look forward to fresh, new opportunities to leave our mark on the world.
Anyone who loves the thrills and chills of growing an enterprise knows the challenges are real. But the key principle to consider is how important it is to travel that road in good company.
The Lord of the Rings will be hitting the theaters once again with a new release. And there is one very important lesson from this enduring story that is applicable to business professionals today.
It was the quality of the companionship that made the hobbit adventure a success, despite the fearsome obstacles the small company of sojourners encountered on the way.
Throughout history, long before J.R. Tolkien wrote his now famous series of novels, great accomplishments have always required collegial relationships with others.
When those relationships find the right, nurturing habitat among like-minded people, personal and professional growth happens as a natural outflow. It’s not forced. It simply flows when the barriers are removed, opening the door to a deeper level of collaboration with other professionals.
Yet this amazing process of forging business relationships depends on a commitment to your fellow travelers. It was that one element in particular that made Tolkien’s story so compelling.
Aim to make the New Year a time to celebrate those professional relationships, because they are a treasure worth more than Tolkien’s magical ring!