The Secret Ingredient to Success: Why Support Networks Matter More Than Talent

Unlocking the overlooked factor that separates high achievers from the rest.

Ask any successful person about the key to their achievements, and you’ll hear about hard work, discipline, and maybe a bit of luck. But dig a little deeper, and another theme emerges—one that Marshall Goldsmith puts front and center in 'The Earned Life': the power of support networks. In a world that glorifies the self-made individual, Goldsmith’s research and coaching experience reveal a different story. Even the most talented people reach their greatest heights not alone, but with the help of others.

Goldsmith’s Earning Checklist is a practical framework for assessing your readiness to succeed. Among its six elements—motivation, ability, understanding, confidence, support, and marketplace—support is often the most neglected. Yet, as case after case in the book demonstrates, support networks are the hidden engine behind lasting achievement and fulfillment.

Consider the CEO who credits her rise not just to her vision and skills, but to a group of mentors who challenged her thinking at every stage. Or the entrepreneur whose peer group provided the accountability and encouragement needed to weather setbacks and keep going. These stories are not outliers—they are the norm among high performers.

The science backs this up. Research shows that people with strong support networks are more resilient, achieve more, and report higher levels of happiness. Goldsmith introduces the idea of the 'referent group'—the small circle of people whose opinions matter most to us. Our referent group shapes our self-image, influences our decisions, and can either propel us forward or hold us back. Choosing your referent group intentionally is one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your growth.

So how do you build a support network that actually helps you earn your life? Goldsmith offers several strategies: seek out mentors who will tell you the truth, join peer groups where accountability is the norm, and regularly ask for feedback—not just praise. He also suggests giving as much as you receive, fostering a culture of mutual support.

Ultimately, 'The Earned Life' teaches that support is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms talent into lasting impact. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or forging your own path, don’t go it alone. Build your circle, nurture your relationships, and watch your life transform.