One is too Small a Number for Greatness
Posted on January 09, 2013 by Jill Poulton, One of Thousands of Leadership Coaches on Noomii.
Our potential is greatly influenced by those closest to us. To reach your potential take a look at your inner circle.
During my early years of professional development, I came across a quote that said, “Who you are five years from now will be determined by the people you have lunch with and the books you read.” The essence here is to do a self-check on who or what is influencing our lives, and consider whether the influence is encouraging or hindering. To achieve anything worthwhile, it calls for the support and resources of others. This group of well-poised confidants is often referred to as an inner circle, a board of directors, or a home team.
Most of the time we typically surround ourselves with people we like or people with whom we are comfortable. Few people give thought to how those closest to him or her impact their personal effectiveness, the development of their potential, or the realization of their dream. To move forward in any of these areas we must be intentional with our relationship building. This means connecting with others whose values and beliefs align with you and the vision you hold. It’s in the pursuit of your own potential that you encourage and equip others to reach their potential.
Napoleon Hill, author of Think & Grow Rich advises, "Deliberately seek the company of people who influence you to think and act on building the life you desire.” If you want something other than your current reality, then you have to do some things you’ve never done before, which calls you to become more than you currently are. In order to manifest this personal evolution, it is most beneficial to have people alongside you who are encouraging, who strive for excellence, have maturity, and good character in everything they do. Build connections with others who know the way you seek, who walk their talk, and can show you some of the road.
I am often asked the question, “How do I create an inner circle?” Start by knowing yourself. Know your strengths, your beliefs, your vision or mission. Remember, nobody does everything well. Therefore ask yourself what qualities or characteristics you would like to be connected with, such as: Competencies, experience, performance, age, industry, etc. Find people who believe what you believe but think different thoughts. If you have some gaps in your current circle, then one of the best things to do is go out and meet new people, aka network. After some introductions, then make a point of following up and getting to know people to determine if they are a good fit. The inner circle is a two way relationship. You want to be of value to the other person as much as they are an added value to you.
Some other benefits of developing a personal board of directors include: increased confidence and courage in decision-making and action-taking as you are not standing alone; every person in the board extends your influence beyond your reach, and helps you to grow and become the fuller version of yourself.
Mother Teresa recognized this principal as well when she said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.”
Jill Poulton coaches business women who are spending too much time at work. She helps them to clarify and prioritize their focus so they can work less while still being profitable.
www.jillpoulton.com | 306-585-2123
