CREATING YOUR INNER CIRCLE

Who do you spend your most time with?

Do they display excellence, maturity, and good character in everything they do?

You become like those you choose to spend the most time with. I am constantly trying to reduce time with negative persons, and increase time spent with positive influences.

I look for certain qualities when choosing friends and/or employees.

The following five qualities are required and a deal breaker if not displayed.

1. Honesty

This one is a major deal breaker for me. I usually give someone one chance, depending on the severity of the lie, before cutting them out and moving on with my life. I suggest you do the same. Integrity is the glue that holds society together and trust is so important in our work and relationships; it will do you no good to waste your time with dishonest individuals.

2. Humility

No one likes a braggart. Those who spend time bragging about themselves, have less time to get actual important things accomplished. One who displays humility gets along better with others and is a team building trait.

3. Empathy

If you cannot empathize with another human being, then you will have a long road ahead to lead people. You and your team will never accomplish anything if the members do not empathize with their fellow teammates.

4. Continuous Self Improvement

You should always be pursuing personal and team growth. If you are not growing, then you are slowing. Either staying the same or worse, getting behind. This is a trait to look for in others as well. You want members of your team to have a positive impact on the others.

5. Teamwork

Being able to work with others towards a common goal is required to be a part of your inner circle. They should have a positive impact on the inner circle overall. Being a part of the team also means buying in to the vision and goals of the organization. If a team member doesn’t have buy in to your full vision, then they will just be a detriment overall.

Invest in your best assets, which are your people. Organizations are normally broken down into thirds as far as performance goes. Spend time developing your top third, and less time with your weakest bottom third. Your potential really is determined by those closest to you.

Who has an actual positive impact on your group or team? These people should display the above qualities, as well as care about the success of the team or organization.