Recruit a Great Support Team for the New Year

Donald J. Trump is the most self-reliant, rugged individual I have ever known. Yet he often says that he could never have reached the pinnacle of success without the support of a great team.  

Here’s just one instance of that philosophy, quoted from his book Trump 101: The Way to Success:

“Good leaders determine the teams they assemble. If you pick the best players and set the example, many good seasons should follow . . . Assemble a core group around you; create a great team. Fill in the group with people who will excel in their roles.”

If Donald J. Trump needs a good support team, shouldn’t you have one too? And there is no better time to assemble one than right now at the start of a new year.

If you don’t think you need the help, I’d urge you to consider these two critical questions:

Question One: Are you really up to date in your planning?

Of course you set up your business the right way - but maybe that was three years ago. Or perhaps you updated your life insurance and other policies - four years ago. Or your investment counselor assured you that your mutual funds were doing very well - six months ago.

You get the point. We live in a time of rapid change. That’s why you need a team of experts with current knowledge.

Question Two: Are you placing too much belief in your own expertise?

This is a big mistake that traps many people and blocks their success. This error, by the way, is also called cockiness. It takes root when people fall into thinking patterns like these . . .

• “I’ve been a real estate developer for 20 years. If I know it all already, why should I pay anyone else for advice?”

• “I’ve been keeping my own books for 15 years. What could anybody possibly tell me about tax law?”

That kind of self-satisfied thinking is an invitation to trouble. Because the fact is that even if you do know everything there is to know in your chosen field, a fresh set of eyes can often prevent costly mistakes.

It’s called perspective. And we all need it - even if we are the smartest and most experienced individuals in the world.

So with the new year coming, do you need the expertise of a new team behind you? This is a great time of year to not only consider that question, but to find answers for it as well.