Let's face it. Work isn't always easy. In fact, it's usually pretty hard. Whether you have long hours, a tyrant boss or you are working under unreasonable expectations, work can be grueling. And when you feel this pressure, it's easy to lose perspective. You may get frustrated and want to leave. You may want to rebel and not do the work required.

Author Dr. Randall Bell says that humility and authentic connection are at the core of all great relationships. And strong relationships are at the core of all lasting success. By discovering and nurturing these relationships in a work environment, you can set the stage for dealing with any toxicity and achieving success. Learn more in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

Building a success circle isn't just about making friends and it isn't just about networking—it's about actively maintaining and developing a core group of people who will push you, advise you and help you succeed in good times and in bad. There are four essential steps to developing a success circle:

1. Observe and Identify. Identify people in your sphere of influence who have a gift in some specific area that sets them apart. Your sphere of influence includes friends, acquaintances, relatives, neighbors and colleagues.

2. Connect. This doesn't have to be a formal effort. Just having lunch, playing a game of tennis or going to a ball game with someone in your core group can form the basis for real connection.. Over time, you will gradually build up a success circle of informal mentors on whom you can count for the best advice.

3. Ask for insights. When you are at a crossroads or are faced with indecision in business, reach out to those in your success circle who have demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the area in which you are struggling. Ask the person for detailed insights on their success.

4. Listen. When people in your success circle speak on their area of expertise, listen carefully and take notes.

Developing a success circle is a simple task, but it's immeasurably valuable. Success circles keep you growing while keeping you grounded.

Dr. Randall Bell is a socio-economist, speaker and author of Rich Habits Rich Life. He has consulted on such cases as the World Trade Center, Flight 93 Crash Site and the OJ Simpson trial. His work has generated billions of dollars to build lives and communities. He documents the poor habits that lead to disaster—and the rich habits that lead to transformation and growth.