My Ferris Bueller Day Off

A few weeks ago I traveled to Chicago to see Keith Ferrazzi, the New York Times best selling author. I felt a bit like Ferris Bueller, skipping school for the day. Off to Chicago on a Thursday for a little lunch, a walk along the "Miracle Mile", and even a visit to the Contemporary Museum of Art. The only thing missing was a Cubs game and a parade. We made up for it by seeing Keith in person talking about his new book, Who's Got Your Back.

Keith is the well known author of "Never Eat Alone" and now "Who's Got Your Back". In his first book the premise was all about how to network and how to build a network. In his second book he takes it a step further---having a network is necessary , but what is also important is having a few key relationships with people you can count on and who will tell you the truth. Keith calls these people your "lifelines", and he says you really only need three. Three key people who you can go to to discuss what is going on in your life and not worry about being judged. He believes one of the issues today is that no one wants to look vulnerable or weak, so everyone is afraid of really talking about how they feel or sharing what is really going on in their lives--both professionally and personally. Without this kind of support and the oppportunity to share our concerns, it is very difficult to grow and achieve our personal best.

In his book he discusses his three lifelines.....one is a good friend/business associate, the other is a former mentor, and the third was a total stranger he connected with at a dinner party. The first two seem like logical lifelines, but as Keith points out, the third person was just someone who he started talking to and felt very comfortable with sharing his inner most feelings. They quickly developed a relationship and meet frequently to hold each other accountable for both their professional and personal goals. He points out that not all friends can be lifelines. Our friends all mean well, but not all are going to tell you how it really is. The whole idea behind Who's Got Your Back is we need people we can turn to who will kick us in the butt and tell us the truth if we are heading off track. Many times our families want to protect us or don't really get it, so it is important to find people in your life who understand you.

Just like Ferris, my "Day Off" was one that I will remember for awhile. Keith is a great speaker who really connects with his audience and uses real life examples you can relate to. He makes you think about what you are doing and what you need to be doing to achieve your personal best, and how we all need other people in our lives to help keep us focused and supported. Go find your lifelines now!