Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow beyond your current position, this post is for you. Let’s dive in and discover more about surrounding yourself with smarter people.
Here’s a piece of golden advice taken from a TEDtalk that inspired me:
“If you’re the smartest person in the room; you need to change rooms.”
The theory is that being an underachiever in a great group means staying there will produce greatness in you. If you are an overachiever in a group of mediocre people than there is no growth there. There is only practice there, not actual new-level growth. Staying in a room where you are the top performer can lead to complacency and stagnation, whereas being surrounded by high-performing individuals can drive growth and development. Know when to go. Are you in a practice season or a growth season?
Determine if you are in a season of practice or a season of growth. If you are still learning and improving, then stay put. However, if you have outgrown your current environment, it may be time to seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Do not get stuck being great in a small place.
You may encounter naysayers along the way who will try to hold you back, but don’t let them discourage you from reaching your goals. Embrace change, step outside your comfort zone, and continue to grow and develop in your career. Do not get stuck or be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Leave that small pond and find a place to be challenged to be your best. After all, isn’t that the point?
If you’re still in practice season, here are a few tips:
- Take courses that align with your career goals and interests.
- Attend workshops and conferences relevant to your field.
- Join professional organizations and participate in online forums to connect with others in your field.
- Stay up-to-date on industry news and trends by subscribing to relevant publications, blogs and newsletters by thought leaders in your field.
- And lastly, seek out a mentor who can offer guidance and support (this can be family, a friend or any executive you admire who are or have gotten to where you are trying to be).