I once worked for a mature company who hired and trained exceptionally well. There was undeniable talent and enthusiasm all around me. The bar was high as were the expectations and I struggled to keep up. It wasn’t easy for me to feel “less than” but over time, I found myself elevated by the quality of work happening around me and, more importantly, by the quality of the people. Working there made me better.
We are mirrors reflecting onto each other
You’ve likely heard the controversial quote by motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, who famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. Some debate the validity of this statement as merely a math problem. Regardless of how we may view the equation, we are mirrors reflecting onto each other and who we spend time with influences the people we eventually become. Who we hang out with can elevate us as much as it can bring us down. Look around you. Do you have the right crew in place to help you reach higher?
Consider this as you think about creating your best work tribe:
- Who do you admire and want to emulate?
- Do you have or can you get access to them?
- How can you increase contact with them?
- Direct contact: in person, phone, email, social media
- Work product: review their writings, hear them speak/present
- Visualization: athletes do it and so can you! Imagine this person in action…observe their actions, explore the metal imagery of “what would X do?” in this situation
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher” – Oprah Winfrey
One of my clients confessed that there was a woman she worked with who she frequently watched from afar with awe and envy. She said this woman was eloquent, and bold, and carried herself with such confidence that she couldn’t help but watch her. My client didn’t know this woman but over an entire year of noticing her, began to admire her greatly. I challenged my client to ask if this woman would be her mentor and to tell her what she had been admiring. Initially horrified at the thought, my client finally mustered up the courage and asked. And guess what…the women was flattered and said yes! Fast forward almost one year and my client has embarked on a new high profile project, in great part, because of the network her mentor helped her to create and foster.
Does Having the Right Work Tribe in Place Help You Excel?
Here’s what I think, I’ve seen it happen and I’ve experienced it first hand, the people around you do impact your work self. Your work quality, your desire to grow or to give in…instead of being green with envy, invite that object of your admiration in and help each other soar!
Do you want to learn how to identify your tribe and enlist their help in making the next exciting phase in your career happen? I can help you draft that ideal work tribe, contact me today for a free consultation.