4 Reasons Why You Need A Band of Brothers (or Sisters)

It was 2005. I sat in my house. Alone.

I remember the night quite clearly. I had just ran to a local taco shop and grabbed a six pack of tacos and a pound of mexi-fries. Sat down in my chair. Put on a movie. I popped open a beer. For about a millisecond, I thought “bachin it…too sweet.”

Then I realized that was a lie. I had screwed it all up. You see just two weeks previous, I hurt my wife. Details don’t matter here. The point is I hurt her.

She rightly took time to let God work on me. 

She also rightly took time to work on her.

Those two weeks we refocused and surrendered our lives and marriage back to God, were monumental. They were monumental for many reasons.

One such reason was this reality check: in order to achieve success, you need a band of brothers or sisters. Success in these regards is ambiguous. It could be marital, financial, entrepreneurial, or something else. 

Here are three reasons why you need to have that

Accountability. A band is loaded with accountability. Accountability means each person gets his or her part done to achieve success. It means the usual “check-in” is consistent so things get done on time and in the right way. When things aren’t up to standards, there is no shame. Instead, loving correction and encouragement.

Only the truest and most authentic of friends and band will provide this type of accountability. If your band isn’t doing this, they’re no band at all. 

Commonality. What is this commonality build upon? It is the commonality of core values and mission. It is the common bond of desires, wills, goals, experiences, and more. 

About 9 years ago, my wife and I joined a “young married without kids” group at our church. The growth we experienced that year was tremendous. I know a large part was having a common bond with these couples. We realized we were facing the same obstacles (and same opportunities). It was freeing. 

Share-ability. In a band, you get to speak into the lives of others. No person has all the answers, nor an exhaustive compendium of experiences. Each person brings a unique perspective that can dramatically impact your own view of the world and how you approach it. 

Grow-ability. When you’re in a band, you’ll grow. You’ll grow yourself and each other. You’ll grow your business, your relationships, your emotions, your resources and more. 

Please note, this growth doesn’t just happen. Yes, it comes with the package of a band, but not without intentionality. Your band will ensure you not only place a high priority on attaining your goals, but also growing through them.

I don’t know what a band of brothers or sisters looks like for you, but you need to find them. Some people think of them as a mastermind group or a board of directors. Regardless of what you call, you need it.

Question: Who is in your band? How’d you create this group? What has been the result?