Who do you have in your life that pushes you to new levels of performance? Are you intentional about aligning yourself with people like that?
In his book “The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth”, John Maxwell writes about the “Law of the Environment”. This law illustrates the importance of surrounding yourself with high performers and with people who want to grow and will challenge you.
This has been critically important to my growth over the years. Sometimes you have to intentionally elicit the help of these people, other times you just need to be aware of their presence, listen, and be open to their challenge.
10 Years ago I sought out the help of a coach from the Ken Blanchard Companies to help me learn the process of driving a purpose-driven, values-based culture. That decision to build an ongoing coaching relationship with Chris Edmonds definitely helped me get to places that I would have not gotten on my own.
I recently discovered another person to challenge me. My son Dan is pushing me to be better, to be more connected in the world of social media, and to provide more relevant content on a more consistent basis. He has a servant heart that understands the needs of his generation and is providing insights on how to deliver for them. He is helping me move the needle north at Triune Leadership Services, LLC.
Ideas to consider when looking for ways to enhance your learning environment might include:
- Seek out mentors (Look for diversity – age / gender / nationality)
- Hire a coach
- Participate in leadership peer group or roundtable
- Seek out training opportunities
- Ask more questions (Be curious)
- Work on your listening skills
- Set aside time for daily reading
Benefits from enhancing your learning environment:
- See things in a different light
- Discover you have more within you
- Enhance your level of influence
- Become a better leader / mentor / coach for others
I feel very fortunate to have many people in my life that care enough to push me to new levels of performance. I learn a lot from my wife and both my sons when I listen. I also learn from my coach, clients, and peers, thanks to all of them for being willing to invest in me.
What have you done to align yourself with people that can challenge you to achieve more? Could you do more?
Mark Deterding
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42