I am sure I have written about my annual college roommate reunion so forgive me if I repeat some themes in my old age. In October, my four roommates and I rent a house on a body of water to catch up. Disabuse yourself of the thought that this is a “Hangover 4” sequel because it is far from it. I have been 50 since I was 10 and my roommates are essentially work focused men. During these reunions each of us face challenges that we discuss with the group from unemployment to the death of a parent.
This weekend was no different but the topics of discussion get more valuable as we get older. One of my friends is tackling epic challenges at work, another is caregiving for a terminal cancer patient and another lost his brother and mother 6 months apart. These circumstances do not create a carnival environment for comedy. The fundamental take away for me is the value in maintaining and cultivating a friendship for 33 years. We realized the payoff from deepening friendships is that this group becomes a voluntary board of advisors that dispenses wisdom, caution and eduction from a place of love, caring and investment. I don’t respect anyone as much as these guys so when they start a conversation with, “Al can we talk about something?”, I am assured of solid advice.
The reality is that most of my clients don’t have agenda-less people they can rely on to provide good advice, coaching, and wisdom. Additionally, most people don’t have the trust in a board of advisors that consistently delivers on promises so consistently that any information dispensed from them demands implementation.
This weekend affirmed that I am very lucky to have this group of great men that I count as my friends.