I see that Gordon Brown has just announced that he will retire from his position of Prime Minister in the next couple of months.  I also saw a picture of him in the papers today with his wife, walking together at the weekend.  It reminded me of a couple of things:  first, that leadership is a slippery and often isolated role; second, that every leader also needs their personal support team away from the spotlight.

Politicians are in the public eye more than most leaders, but simply because the entire country isn't reading about your decision-making doesn't make the pressure non-existent.  We live in our own spheres of influence - our colleagues, family and friends (in addition to our own feelings) can make the pressure of expectation equally as compelling.  Having worked with many clients in positions of high if not top seniority, I know that each one of them to differing degrees felt the pressures of expectation - even having held that role of leader for years and sometimes decades.  And with that pressure came isolation - which is why so many clubs and other fora for chief executives to meet and de-brief have become popular.  To how many people can you voice your doubts - truly - and avoid disastrous consequences that can follow when the captain of the ship says they are not confident about the route ahead?

Just as athletes have their support team, so too a leader needs one away from the spotlight of work.  Having a healthy and stable relationship is a huge component; having good friends and spending time with them; engaging the expertise of those who minister to body, mind and spirit; expelling the energy "parasites" who suck the positive out of your life and welcoming the energy "pumps" who make you feel good.  Have a think through who is in your support team - it may be small or fairly sizeable depending on what you have going on in your life.  For example, a decent builder who can project manage; a travel agent who organises like a dream; a cleaner who really does the job properly; a mentor who's been there, done that and keen to help.

Take time to surround yourself with the right people and the journey will not only be much easier, you'll also find that isolation starting to dissipate.