Do You Know Who Really Matters in Your Orbit?
If you had to pause right now and list the top 5 people who matter most to your success, could you do it? Most people can’t.
And yet, your ability to lead, grow, and stay centered depends on the quality of your most essential relationships. The people who challenge you, support you, open doors for you, and tell you the truth even when it’s uncomfortable.
We call these your stakeholders. They are the people who are part of your success formula, whether they hold formal power or not. Here’s how to identify them—and more importantly, stay connected to them
1. Make Your List
Start with five people. Who matters most to your career, your mission, your development, and your ability to thrive as a human being? This might include:
Your manager or key sponsor
A cross-functional colleague or collaborator
A mentor or coach
A client or customer you want to serve deeply
A trusted peer who helps you stay grounded
2. Understand Their World
Great relationships aren’t built by proximity; they’re built by empathy. Get curious about what your key people are navigating. What do they care about? What challenges are they facing? How are they measured? What makes their work meaningful?
When you understand their world, you can meet them with more presence, more relevance, and more impact.
3. Set a Cadence
Don’t wait for your calendar to fill in the gaps. Be intentional about connection. You don’t need standing meetings to maintain meaningful momentum. Try:
A monthly virtual coffee
A quick walking 1:1 after a team meeting
A personal check-in during conference breaks
A shared article or podcast followed by a 15-minute reflection call
Connection doesn’t have to be time-intensive—it just has to be consistent.
4. Add Value, Thoughtfully
Your most important people don’t want another status update. They want to know you see them, value them, and are invested in mutual success. Bring value by:
Asking a powerful question
Sharing something you learned that could benefit them
Offering perspective, feedback, or encouragement
Connecting them with someone who could help
This is how trust grows.
5. Audit Your Orbit Regularly
As your role evolves, so should your circle. Every quarter, revisit your stakeholder map. Ask yourself:
Who’s new on my radar?
Who have I unintentionally drifted from?
Who is no longer aligned with where I’m headed?
Staying aware means staying aligned.
Bottom line: If you want to go far, don’t go alone. The most effective leaders nurture their relationships with care and consistency. Start small. Reach out. Reconnect.
Who really matters in your orbit? And what will you do about it today?
