Building Your Professional Hype Team
Career Advice I Wish I Knew Earlier
In an increasingly competitive and uncertain job market, the difference between those who thrive and those who merely survive often comes down to one factor that business schools rarely teach—building and maintaining your professional support network. Over decades of mentoring, I've observed hundreds of careers. I've identified a clear pattern: those who intentionally build what I call a "hype team" consistently outperform equally talented peers who try to navigate their careers alone.
But, how do you develop this team?
The Power of Your Support Network
Recently, I have been frustrated in my role as a mentor. I've found myself repeating the same advice often. I am documenting my advice here so that others might find it helpful. I also want to learn more from you about this issue. So please feel free to leave a comment and share your approach.
I keep emphasizing the importance of including others in your journey and building a team of supporters who will help you navigate your career. Everyone needs a group of people who believe in them more than they believe in themselves. That group composition will vary from one person to another and may include significant others, family members, friends, and colleagues. If you don't have your own "hype team," start developing it.
Building and Maintaining Your Team
However, that hype team needs maintenance, an investment strategy, and ongoing communication. Recruiting for your hype team requires engaging with people, sharing your goals, and seeing how they react. Some people's reactions will exclude them from membership in this team, but you will only learn this through trial and error.
The team members will self-identify by showering you with support, advice, and encouragement. When something isn't right for you, they will tell you, but in a positive way.
A Two-Way Relationship
This group of individuals will need some things from you. They will need you to communicate with them about your successes, but they will also want to be there when you fail. They will want to help you pick yourself up when you feel lost. They will want to know and support your aspirations, not just be included when you reach a milestone.
However, when you reach a milestone, update them and allow them to feel that success.
The Necessity of Vulnerability
If you feel alone or need to navigate your career alone, I would urge you to think twice. No one has found success without a team of people cheering them on. Your job is to start assembling that team. It requires vulnerability on your part, but every relationship requires that, so start being vulnerable.
The Takeaway
Success is rarely a solo journey. Behind every accomplished professional stands a network of supporters who provide encouragement, feedback, and sometimes the push needed to persevere. Building this network isn't automatic—it requires intentional effort, vulnerability, and reciprocity.
The most successful people I've mentored aren't necessarily those with the highest IQs or the most impressive credentials, but those who understood the power of relationships and invested in building a strong support system. They recognized early that careers are built on technical skills, yes, but also on the connections that amplify your efforts and provide perspective when you need it most. Today, they are the smartest in the room and have impressive credentials because they leveraged the power of their “hype team”.
As you progress in your career, consider what you know and who's in your corner. The quality of your professional relationships will largely determine the quality of your professional journey. Invest in the people who invest in you!
What’s your advice on building and maintaining your “hype team”?
Dr. A and Future Dr. A
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Amazing article much of this is what I try to do for those around me. But now with the added tips i can be more effective at it!