Building Your A-Team

Who You Need in Your Corner for Leadership Success

By: Angela Gill Nelms

In the high-stakes game of leadership, you can’t go it alone. Every successful leader, whether in business, sports, or even parenting, needs a support system of trusted advisors and confidantes who provide guidance, encouragement, and a healthy dose of reality. Think of this group as your personal “A-Team.” No, this isn’t about the Ed Sheeran song– your A-Team is the group of individuals you’d want with you in the boardroom, the foxhole, and the locker room. These three roles of teammates will help your leadership style soar! But before we get into what these roles represent (and don’t worry, we will!), let’s first discuss why having this A-Team on your side is important.

Why Build Your A-Team?

Imagine facing a critical business decision, navigating a personal crisis, or celebrating a hard-won victory. Who are the people you instinctively turn to? These individuals, your A-Team, play a vital role in your leadership journey by:

• Offering Diverse Perspectives: They challenge your assumptions, provide alternative viewpoints, and help you see the bigger picture.
• Providing Honest Feedback: They tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear, helping you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
• Boosting Your Confidence: They believe in your potential and offer unwavering support, especially during setbacks and challenges.
• Expanding Your Network: They connect you with new people and resources, opening doors to opportunities you might otherwise miss.
• Celebrating Your Successes: They share in your triumphs and motivate you to keep pushing forward.

The Three A-Team Roles

The Three Leadership Teammate Categories: The Boardroom, Foxhole, and Locker Room

To build a truly effective A-Team, consider the different roles you need to be filled and the specific qualities to look for in each member:

1. The Boardroom: Mentors for Strategic Guidance

Who are they?

These experienced individuals provide wisdom and strategic insights and help you navigate complex challenges. They might be:

• Industry veterans: People with a deep understanding of your field and a proven track record of success.
• Leadership experts: Individuals specializing in leadership development can offer valuable coaching and guidance.
• Business advisors: Professionals with expertise in finance, marketing, sales, or operations.

How to Find Them?

• Identify your knowledge gaps: What areas need the most guidance?
• Network strategically: Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and join professional organizations.
• Be specific in your outreach: Explain why you admire their work and what you hope to learn from them.

2. The Foxhole: Allies for Unwavering Support

Who are they?

These are the people you can count on when the going gets tough. They offer emotional support, encouragement, and a safe space to be vulnerable. They might be:

• Trusted friends: People who know you well and have your best interests at heart.
• Family members: Loved ones who provide unconditional love and support.
• Fellow leaders: Peers who understand your challenges and can offer empathy and encouragement.

How to Cultivate These Relationships?

• Invest in your relationships: Make time for meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
• Be a good listener: Offer support and empathy to others, just as you want them to do for you.
• Show your appreciation: Express gratitude for their presence and support.

3. The Locker Room: Champions for Motivation and Inspiration

Who are they?

These individuals celebrate your wins, push you to be your best, and inspire you to reach higher. They might be:

• Coaches or mentors: People who see your potential and challenge you to grow.
• Role models: Individuals you admire and aspire to emulate.
• Peers and colleagues: People who motivate you through friendly competition and shared goals.

How to Find Them?

• Seek out positive and supportive people: Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you.
• Join communities of like-minded individuals: Engage in groups where you can share your goals and aspirations.
• Be open to learning from others: Observe and learn from those achieving your desired success.

The Power of Belief: A Key Ingredient

When building your A-Team, choosing people who genuinely believe in you and your potential is crucial. Their belief will fuel your confidence, especially when facing self-doubt or adversity. These individuals will:

• See your strengths: They recognize your talents and abilities, even when you struggle to see them yourself.
• Encourage risk-taking: They support you in stepping outside your comfort zone and pursuing your goals.
• Help you overcome setbacks: They offer encouragement and perspective when you face challenges.

Building your A-Team is an ongoing process. As you evolve as a leader, your needs and priorities will change. Continuously evaluate your relationships, seek new connections, and nurture the bonds that matter most. With the right people in your corner, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and triumphs of leadership.

So, What’s Your A-Team Missing?

If you feel like your leadership potential isn’t fully reached, it might be time to look around you and ask yourself, “Who’s missing??”

Maybe you need a new Boardroom member ready to mentor and offer wisdom and insights. Maybe someone for the Foxhole, here to support when times get tough? Or could it be someone for the Locker Room who is there to inspire and lift you up?

And if you feel like you’re on an island of your own, fear not; it’s never too late to start building your A-Team. Start by looking around you at the powerful people you already have in your life – maybe your A-Team is hiding in plain sight! And if you feel like you’re coming up short, it might be time to start networking and investing more in coaching and increasing your web of awesome people.

Do you feel like you could use some help building your A-Team? Consider contacting our team by emailing hello@angelagillnelms.com for coaching and networking opportunities.

Comment below to let us know what role you play in your network. Do you show up as part of The Boardroom, Fox Hole, or Locker Room? 

Want to read more about leadership and overcoming conflict? Check out this article.