Calling the kitchen cabinet: to ensure business--and personal--success, surround yourself with "accomplished, successful individuals ... not nodding, sycophantic yes-men....".

• Author: Quiggle, Dan
• Position: Business & Finance

"SURROUND yourself with the best people you can find; delegate authority; and do not interfere." Pres. Ronald Reagan knew that you only are as good as the people you surround yourself with. He was intentional about how he built his team and we would be wise to follow the success of his example.

Leaders need to select the best people to be part of their team, and then invest in their personal growth, development, and success. Not only does that contribute to becoming stronger as a leader, but the team becomes stronger as well. Reagan sought to restore economic prosperity and opportunity in the U.S., and wanted to expand liberty by defeating communism around the world. He was able to make great strides in both areas thanks to his visionary leadership and the loyal efforts of those around him who shared his passion and vision. What is your vision? What can you accomplish by assembling and investing in the best team possible around you?

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, change is the only constant and we often feel that we need to reinvent ourselves and our business on a daily basis in order to stay relevant and competitive. As our focus often is consumed by social networking, our online presence, and perpetual innovation, as leaders we often neglect the most essential, fundamental component of our business success--the people who comprise our company or organization.

People remain the foundational backbone on which everything else is built--even today. Without the right people on your team, nothing else ultimately will matter. It is time to take a look at yourself as well as your team and trusted advisors to see if you have the people in place to help you accomplish your professional goals, meet your personal objectives, and fulfill your lifelong dreams. If you do not, then that team needs to be assembled --starting today.

Savvy leaders create an environment in which the synergy of a team can accomplish much more than the singular energy of one leader alone. Surrounding yourself with people who can play a positive and instrumental role in your life contributes to your success and is essential in helping you prioritize your life and make better decisions.

Success directly hinges on two crucial aspects--the people you surround yourself with in your personal and professional life, and the ways in which you invest in the growth and betterment of those around you.

Reagan believed in the power of people--all people. As a result, he worked...