This week's column is something different. I want to share this piece and credit the author David Smythe.
3 Types of People to Surround Yourself With
I believe there are three elements of an effective leader we should all try to adopt and build upon: inspired, excited, and grateful. We may find it hard at times to maintain these characteristics, especially if we aren't careful on who we surround ourselves with. On the other hand, if we seek to spend more of our time with people who are inspired, excited, and grateful, we can strengthen these same things within ourselves.
With that in mind, here is how to identify these three types of people:
The Inspired
We have all been inspired by thought leaders, risk takers, those that succeed, those that fail, entrepreneurs, and those that set an example that we find admirable and that impress us. Those that inspire us are like a bright light. It is shining consistently, and when we step into the light and see and understand what they are projecting, they can't help but brighten our own light by their example and motivation.
The Excited
Ever witnessed the energy of an auctioneer, a little league player that hits a home run, or the reaction of someone to whom you delegated a task and did a great job, and you acknowledged it? Excited! While being excited cannot be an 8-5 state of mind, it is an ingredient that is in great leadership DNA.
To be excited, and to share it respectfully is truly a gift that is usually well received from the person that observed your excitement and now shares it with you.
The Grateful
Being grateful is a gift that is given, earned, shared, and clearly beneficial to us all. Often, we do not show or verbalize our gratefulness as much as we should. It is a feeling of thankfulness that, when shared, all benefit. Being grateful is not just for the large, impactful moments, but also for the smaller moments which can qualify to be life changing impressions. What may be a small thing to one person could have a large impact for another.
In Conclusion...
We each own the privilege to choose who we surround ourselves with in our personal and professional lives.
On your journey in leadership and management of Associations and Organizations you will cross paths with those that will inspire you, excite you and share their gratefulness. You will also cross paths with those that do not. Wish them well and move on.
Remember who you surround yourself with is your choice, and when you add their light to your light, the brightness is amplified and so are two more lives.
Lead on my friends, lead on.
