One of the most valuable things a leader can do to improve their significance is to take inventory of themselves. It’s often also one of the most uncomfortable things to do. One crucial factor in taking that inventory is assessing our circle of influence. Dad used to say, “Kiddo, you will become like the five people you spend the most time around. Boy, you wanna choose them wisely.” That’s why taking inventory of our circle of influence is so important.
When I was in college, a group of theater students was arrested for vandalism of university property. They had supposedly wanted to make a statement about the disproportionate funding the athletics department received as compared to the arts. Three of the students were the ones who actually did the damage and vandalized property. The other two were also there. They did not participate, but they also did nothing to prevent it or dissuade the guilty three from a criminal act. Although the two were not ultimately charged with the crime, each of them lost their scholarships based on character clauses in the scholarship agreement. At the time, The Colonel reminded me that “You will be judged based on the company you keep.”
So, we have to be very selective about who we allow the privilege of being in our circle of influence. Are we surrounding ourselves with genuine people who always tell the truth? Even if it’s a truth we don’t want to hear? Are we surrounding ourselves with people of integrity who are always faithful to their word? Who does what they say they’re going to do when they say they’re going to do it and to the level of excellence that can be counted upon? Do they take responsibility for their failures? Are we surrounding ourselves with people who lift others up rather than tearing or holding others down?
Because you will be judged by the company you keep and will become like the five people you spend the most time around, it is crucial to carefully curate your circle of influence.
Read Lauren’s Whitepaper on The Nine Essentials of Significant Leadership.