The Company You Keep

One of my favorite authors is Patrick Lencioni. His books are so easy to read and enjoyable, making me think. Over the weekend, I read his most recent one, The Six Types of Working Genius, and took away some interesting insights. I’ll post about it once I digest it a bit more.

I also enjoy his podcasts, so I listened to several to start the week. There are always great conversations and insights. Funny too. His most recent one, called “The Company You Keep,” was based on something we’ve all heard many times:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn

While this quote is often applied to personal development, their discussion focused on how this concept shapes organizations and culture. The people we interact with most shape us. They help us become the people we want to be personally and professionally, or they hinder it. People often think they show up, do their job, and go home without the environment influencing them. But it changes us in good and bad ways.

We spend a lot of time with the people we work with at the Charleston School of Business. We are impacting each other whether we like it or not. Are we making positive impacts or negative ones? Are we helping our colleagues become what they desire to be professionally? Personally?

I asked myself, how am I helping you become the professional you want to become? How about the person you want to become? Some days, I do alright. Other days, I know I can do better. I’m committed to doing my part to make the Charleston School of Business a place where we all grow professionally and personally.

There will undoubtedly be a few more additions to the leadership library in the Dean’s Office. If you are looking for something good to read, check it out.

YOU make a difference!

Ponder this…