Leadership Tip

How to choose your circle wisely

You’ve probably heard the saying: “You cannot change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.” The first reminds us that we cannot force others to think, behave or lead differently. The second reminds us that we can choose who we spend our time with. The people around us shape our thinking, influence our standards and often determine the direction of our lives. Leadership is not only about the example you set for others, but also about the company you keep.

  • Accept what you cannot control.
    Stop trying to change people who have no desire to change. Focus your energy on what you can influence.
     
  • Audit your circle.
    Ask yourself whether the people closest to you encourage growth, challenge your thinking and bring out your best.
     
  • Be intentional.
    Seek out people who inspire you, tell you the truth and share your values. Distance yourself, where necessary, from those who consistently drain your energy.
     
  • Become the person others choose.
    If you want to attract positive, capable and trustworthy people, strive to be one yourself.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.


Looking for a speaker for your next event?
William Montgomery, our Founder and CEO, is available as a keynote speaker and event host. His experience as a speaker encompasses a wide number of audiences on a diverse array of subjects. He is also a volunteer for Speakers for Schools and Inspiring the Future.

Learn how to lead effectively

Gleaned from wisdom acquired by working with hundreds of highly successful leaders from the world of business, media and sport, our workshops are fortified with practical tips to help you better lead yourself, your team and your business.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 THINGS EVERY LEADER SHOULD LEARN TO DO ALONE

The most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Yet, remarkably, that is often where leadership receives the least attention. We spend a great deal of time discussing how to lead teams, motivate colleagues, influence decisions and inspire... read more

10 questions leaders should never ask

Leadership is often portrayed as having the right answers. In reality, great leadership is more about asking the right questions. Questions can open minds, build trust and encourage innovation. Equally, they can shut down discussion, create... read more

10 ways to build your team

Everyone would like to be part of a dream team - a group of people, each skilled in their own discipline, pulling together to achieve more than they ever could alone. Yet while most organisations talk about teamwork, they still tend to reward individual... read more

Leadership Tips

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MEETINGS MORE INCLUSIVE

The success of a meeting should be measured not by how much is said, but by how much is contributed. Yet too often, discussions are dominated by the loudest voices, while valuable insights remain unheard. As a leader, your responsibility is not simply to... read more

HOW TO LEARN FROM YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKES

We all make mistakes. Some are quickly forgotten, while others can haunt us for years. But the difference between those who grow from their mistakes and those who repeat them is rarely the mistake itself. It’s what they choose to learn from it. Here are... read more

HOW TO FIX SOCIAL CARE

Social care has defeated successive governments because every proposed solution becomes an argument about who pays, who qualifies and what the state should provide. Yet Britain is hardly alone in facing an ageing population and rising care costs. Other... read more