What’s your average?
It’s officially October and summer! Not a moment too soon…
“Surround yourself with people who share your values, not just your interests.” – Andy Stanley.
You’ve heard this a million times, but you really do become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
Humans are good at mimicking others. We compare our perception of the world with those around us and behave accordingly. We want to fit in (you can even say we HAVE to fit in). Most of us are uncomfortable when we stand out. So, we become like those around us. It’s makes us feel like we belong. We pick up phrases, gestures, habits, viewpoints, interests, attitudes and even values.
Before joining a new group, culture or environment be very mindful of what that group stands for. It’s good to want to go into a new context and exercise your influence, but chances are much better that you will become more like the group than you were before.
Pay close attention and ask yourself: “What do these people value?” If these values are in line with what you value or want to become, then you are good to go. If not, then beware: people will either pull you up or drag you down to their level. You need to decide in which direction you want to go.
Values and the behaviours they drive are contagious. You can either use this to your benefit or ignore it to your detriment.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
