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Keith Ferrazzi presented his latest book, Who’s Got Your Back? at the Philadelphia Park Hyatt hotel on Tuesdsay, June 9. Due to the popularity of both Who’s Got Your Back? and Never Eat Alone, the Park Hyatt’s Grand Ballroom was nearly at capacity. Innovation Philadelphia had a front row seat as Keith presented the major themes of Who’s Got Your Back? Keith’s book illustrates that the path to success in your career and in your personal life is through creating an inner circle of "lifeline relationships" - deep, close relationships with a few key trusted individuals who will offer the encouragement, feedback, and generous mutual support that every one of us needs to reach our full potential.
During his presentation, Keith outlined some key steps to finding success through relationships and personal networks. Keith suggested identifying two to three individuals who can be your lifeline for your dreams and goals. These people will not let you fail, will always tell you the truth, and will hold you accountable for your decisions. The importance of having these lifelines is crucial as we find ourselves increasingly isolated and constantly mobile. Gone are the days of the old work institutions that people stayed with for their entire career. The old support systems have faded with little option for adequate replacements. In Who’s Got Your Back?, Ferrazzi stresses the importance of peer-to-peer support systems, drawing from examples such as his mother’s card playing group of 40 years and the establishment of Weight Watchers through founder Jean Nidetch’s support group. Ferrazzi emphasizes that behavior change is more effective when someone needs to hold you accountable.
During his presentation, Keith took a few minutes for some interactive audience exercises. In the first exercise, audience members were told to turn to the person next to them and describe their dreams and goals. People also had to describe a learning goal or a reachable goal that would allow the person to progress towards achieving their dreams. Ferrazzi stated that learning goals often translate to more success than performance goals. The audience members on the receiving end were challenged to not judge the person at first glance or listen, but to demonstrate compassion and an aptitude for caring that our isolated selves often dismiss in the face of a focused ego. The second exercise required the audience to again, turn to the person next to them and describe one of their biggest fears, something holding them back from achieving their goals.
In closing Keith pointed out that the process of establishing lifeline relationships requires one to embrace feedback and data about his or her choices. Ferrazzi spoke about opening oneself to critiques but remembering that, as the receiver, you have the power to choose what to do with the information presented.
For more information on Keith Ferrazzi and his books visit, www.keithferrazzi.com.