Surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you're not in.
The other day, I came across a quote on social media that really resonated with me: "Surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you're not in." I did some digging to find out who said it, but the source remains unknown. Regardless, the sentiment stuck with me and got me thinking during my drive home.
As I reflected on the quote, I thought about our team at work. I asked myself if this principle applies to us, and I can honestly say it does. I would fight for everyone on our team, whether they are in the room or not, because I truly believe they are here to support our clients, me, and the organization. Our world isn't perfect, and we don’t always agree, but our culture is happy, productive, and strives for excellence. We back each other up.
At our practice, we fight and work for our clients even when they are not right there with us. It’s part of what we do. While we may not be perfect, we have the intent to stand alongside those who trust us for service, advice, and peace of mind. Our commitment to our clients is unwavering, and we aim to ensure their needs are met, whether they are present or not. This dedication is ingrained in our culture, and we believe it is crucial to surround yourself with people who will fight for you in rooms you're not in.
This idea extends beyond the workplace. I thought about my two boys, now out of college and building their own lives. My hope for them, as it has been since they were little, is that they are safe, successful, and happy. As they grow older, I hope they can make an impact on the world and their loved ones. More importantly, I hope they surround themselves with people who will stand up for them when they aren't around.
Much of our stress and worry comes from relationships and situations where we aren't sure if someone has our back. I have friends in different circles—those I golf with, hike with, shoot with, and hunt with. We share fun times and laughter, sometimes a bit too sarcastically. I realize I gravitate towards people who stand up for me, even when I'm not around. These people genuinely want me, my family, and our business to succeed. I am drawn to those who reciprocate this support.
This simple truth holds profound meaning. As we navigate through business and life, if we find relationships that don't meet this criterion, we should at least pause and question if they make sense at this stage in our lives. For those that do, we should lean into them fully. These relationships will bring value, impact, and meaning to our lives, our office culture, and our friendships.
Fight for your friends, even when your friends aren’t there.
Mark J Modzeleski, CFS, CLTC, AIF
President, Legacy Wealth Advisors of NY