Who are your top team? They are your board of directors, your trusted advisers, your unofficial mentors and coaches. Even small companies have a team to help set strategy, deal with major issues and plan. As an individual you can do exactly the same and have a top team to go to for advice on major decisions.

I was considering making changes to my business and about a month ago I spoke to my top team. They are 7 very different people who know me well, a mix of friends from different backgrounds and professions and a variety of former colleagues. They had different perceptions of what the changes might mean.  Some were very cautious, highlighting risks, others pointed out fantastic opportunities. No-one said they were too busy to talk, they all asked to be kept in the loop.

After these calls I felt more settled, able to ask myself the right questions and make a decision. I don’t expect anyone to make decisions for me or to tell me what to do but  knowing that my top team care about my happiness and my future really helps.

Who are your top team? When did you last ask then for advice? How can you include them more in your decision making? What can you do to help them in return?