As a leader, you also need proximity with those alongside you in the journey of leadership. Are you leading a team for the first time? Look for a leader who is in that same stage. Are you managing a major project? Seek out peers who have a similar responsibility.

When I was first leading a team, I gathered five others in a similar stage, and we connected once every other week to share what was going well, what was a mess, and how we personally were doing? We empathized, spoke the truth, encouraged, and shared ideas.

It can feel lonely as a leader. I can easily experience imposter syndrome or be overly critical for not reaching my unrealistic expectations. Cultivating a community of peers helps normalize and de-catastrophize what I'm experiencing. There is something relieving about knowing others are experiencing the same thing. It can breathe life into you as you take on another day growing as a leader.

4 Reasons to build a community of peers

1. Level set what's normal. Having a group who are honest with each other gives you a window into reality and what's normal at your point in the journey.
2. Release valve for stress. I have some peers who are not on my team or not in my organization who I can openly share what's happening when things aren't going well.
3. Identify blind spots. When your group is consistent over time, you get to know one another pretty well. This allows your peers to help you identify areas in your life you don't see or are trying to ignore.
4. Accountability as you grow. When blind spots become visible, you need a team to encourage you and keep you accountable for growth.

There is something relieving about knowing others are experiencing the same thing. It can breathe life into you as you take on another day growing as a leader.

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At times a group like this can feel like the blind leading the blind if you are all new at what you’re doing. But you can still learn a ton from each other. Mentors provide a helpful perspective as someone who has done it before but this group is doing it now. In a VUCA world, experience from ten years ago may have limited application. Seeing others in the midst of solving similar problems may inspire you with new solutions and give you the confidence to try something out of the box.

Here are some steps to find others to journey with:

1. Identify what shared trait or experience you want to orient around
2. List out ten people who you could connect with
3. Take three of them to lunch (it doesn’t have to be all together)
4. Pitch the idea of connecting regularly

We’re all on a journey in our leadership. As you consider who you’re journeying with, take time to reflect on who you’re guiding and who you’re following.