Behind The X's & O's of Business — Confidantes

Constituents believe in what you're building. Comrades are committed to the mission. But Confidantes are different. They're not primarily invested in your projects, your position, or what you can accomplish. They're invested in you. If there were nothing left to build, they would still be sitting across the table. They are rare, and learning to recognize and treasure them may be one of the healthiest things we can do.

About ten years ago, I heard Bishop T.D. Jakes preach a sermon about what he called the 3 C's: Constituents, Comrades, and Confidantes. I've never forgotten it. The longer I've lived, the more I've realized how much that simple framework has helped me understand the different relationships God brings into our lives—and why every one of them has value.