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• The power of our circle

• What are the benefits?

• How do I nurture a high-growth circle?

• Tony Robbins on Fear

• Leader vs Leader of Leaders

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In the journey of leadership, one of the most overlooked yet critical factors for success is the quality of your circle - the network of individuals who surround and support you.

Your circle encompasses mentors, peers, colleagues, friends, and family members who influence your perspectives, provide guidance, and challenge you to grow.

Today we’ll explore the profound importance of your circle in shaping your leadership journey and offer strategies for cultivating and leveraging this invaluable resource.

A growth circle is something that didn’t serve me well initially as I wasn’t spending time with the right people.

You could refer to it as a “big fish in a small pond” or the “smartest in the room”, this is not where you want to be if you’re taking your growth seriously.

Where I changed was evaluating my circle and over the last 15 years it has had a profound impact on my growth. Always a source a of inspiration, feedback, accountability, and support, helping me to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and realize my full potential.

Whether you're leading a team, spearheading a project, or pursuing personal growth, the individuals in your circle can provide invaluable insights, encouragement, and guidance to propel you forward.

Why is it important to build your circle?

1. Mentorship - mentors play a pivotal role in providing wisdom, perspective, and guidance to emerging leaders. By leveraging the experience and expertise of seasoned mentors, you can avoid pitfalls, learn from their successes and failures, and accelerate your professional growth. A diverse network of mentors offers a range of perspectives and insights, enriching your leadership journey and expanding your horizons.

2. Constructive Feedback and Accountability - have trusted allies to provide honest feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. Members of your circle provide valuable feedback, challenge your assumptions, and hold you accountable for your actions and decisions. Constructive criticism fosters self-awareness, stimulates growth, and helps you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.

3. Emotional Support - Leadership can be lonely and challenging at times, but your circle provides a source of emotional support and resilience. Trusted friends, family members, and colleagues offer empathy, encouragement, and perspective during difficult moments, helping you navigate setbacks and adversity with grace and resilience.

4. Opportunities for Learning and Development - your circle exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities for learning and development. Whether through informal conversations, networking events, or professional associations, interacting with diverse individuals broadens your knowledge, expands your skill set, and fosters continuous growth and improvement.

I don’t have a circle or my circle needs some work, what can I do?

1. Be Intentional - building a strong circle requires intentionality and effort. Identify individuals who align with your values, aspirations, and goals, and invest time and energy in nurturing these relationships. Be proactive in seeking out mentors, attending networking events, and engaging with peers who inspire and challenge you.

2. Play it forward - -relationships thrive on reciprocity and mutual benefit. Offer support, guidance, and expertise to members of your circle, and be receptive to their contributions in return. Cultivate an ethos of generosity, collaboration, and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

3. Be Authentic - Authenticity forms the foundation of genuine relationships. Be genuine, transparent, and vulnerable with members of your circle, and cultivate trust through open communication and integrity. Authenticity fosters deeper connections, mutual respect, and enduring friendships that withstand the test of time.

4. Continuously Nurture Relationships - relationships require ongoing care and attention to thrive. Stay connected with members of your circle through regular check-ins, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences. Show appreciation for their support, celebrate their achievements, and be present during times of need. By investing in the well-being of your relationships, you strengthen the bonds that sustain you throughout your leadership journey.

In the ever-changing landscape of leadership, your circle emerges as a potent force for growth, resilience, and success.

By cultivating a diverse, supportive, and authentic network of mentors, peers, and allies, you unlock a wealth of opportunities for learning, collaboration, and personal development.

House of Leadership

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