Surround Yourself with Good People, Because your Success Depends on It
Leadership isn’t a solo journey. Behind every great leader is a circle of supportive, talented, and trustworthy people who lift them higher. Think of it this way: no matter how strong your vision or skills are, you can’t do it all alone. Surrounding yourself with good people isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. These are the people who challenge your ideas, cheer you on, and help you see what you might miss. So, why does your inner circle matter so much, and how can you create one that truly makes a difference? Let’s explore how the right people shape your success and bring out your very best.
Key Takeaways
- Great leaders understand the power of collaboration and collective wisdom.
- Surrounding yourself with good people fosters trust, innovation, and resilience.
- The right team members help leaders stay grounded and focused.
- Good people bring diverse perspectives, enhancing decision-making.
- Leaders thrive in environments that prioritize positivity and mutual respect.
- Building an exceptional inner circle requires intentional effort and care.
Leadership Is a Team Sport
Even the most visionary leaders don’t succeed alone. Think of the greatest sports teams you’ve ever seen: it’s not just about the star player; it’s about how the entire team works together. Leadership follows the same principle. You need a network of individuals who bring out the best in you—people who contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and help execute plans with precision. Surrounding yourself with good people ensures you have trusted advisors, reliable collaborators, and supporters who help you navigate challenges and celebrate wins.
Great leaders recognize that their circle directly impacts their success. A well-rounded team brings expertise, emotional support, and accountability, allowing leaders to tackle challenges with greater confidence. Now imagine a coach who surrounds themselves with players who lack discipline or refuse to cooperate. Even with the best strategies, that team is doomed to struggle. On the other hand, a roster filled with talented, dedicated individuals creates synergy, where the collective effort propels everyone forward.
The same applies to leadership. The people you rely on can either elevate your efforts or derail them. When you surround yourself with capable, positive individuals, everything becomes sharper—your vision, your strategy, and your ability to achieve goals. Like in sports, where each player has a unique role that enhances the team’s performance, a great leader ensures their circle is filled with diverse talents and perspectives. Together, you become a force that can face any challenge head-on, turning obstacles into opportunities and ensuring success is a shared victory.
Leadership thrives on collaboration, not isolation.
The Traits of Good People Leaders Need Around Them
Surrounding yourself with good people starts with understanding that “good” doesn’t mean “just like me.” It’s tempting to gravitate toward those who mirror your thoughts or approach, but true leadership thrives on diversity. Good people are more than just skilled—they challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, and bring perspectives you hadn’t considered. They’re not afraid to question your ideas, which is exactly what helps you grow as a leader.
Think of it this way: the people you surround yourself with are like a mirror and a magnifying glass. They reflect your strengths but also zoom in on areas you might overlook. They cover your blind spots, spark creativity, and help you navigate risks and opportunities you might not even see coming. These individuals become a safety net and a launchpad, keeping you grounded while pushing you to reach higher. Thus, a stronger inner circle should include
A Challenger: Someone who doesn’t just agree with you but asks, “Have you thought about this differently?” They help you avoid stagnation and push for better outcomes.
An Optimist: The person who lifts the team’s spirits when things get tough, offering resilience and positivity when it’s most needed.
A Strategist: This detail-focused thinker takes your big ideas and transforms them into actionable plans that drive results.
A Confidant: A trusted ally who listens without judgment, provides honest feedback, and keeps you grounded through ups and downs.
An Innovator: Someone who’s always looking at what’s next, spotting opportunities that others miss and encouraging creative problem-solving.
When you build a team filled with these traits, you’re setting yourself up for success. But here’s the challenge: have you taken the time to really think about who’s in your inner circle?
So, let’s grab a pen and write down the names of the people you trust the most. Now, cross-check that list against these traits. Do you have at least one Challenger? An Optimist? A Strategist, Confidant, and Innovator? If not, it’s time to take a closer look at how you can fill those gaps.
Surrounding yourself with good people isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s about intentionally creating a network that supports and challenges you to be the best leader you can be. Great leaders don’t just let their circle form by accident—they build it with purpose and vision, ensuring every voice in the room contributes to clarity, confidence, and progress.
True leadership isn’t about surrounding yourself with agreement; it’s about surrounding yourself with growth.
The Ripple Effect of Surrounding Yourself with Good People
When leaders build a strong inner circle, the ripple effect extends in all directions—to the organization, the clients they serve, their personal relationships, and even themselves. Each layer of impact is interconnected, creating a web of positivity and growth that benefits everyone involved.
On the organization: Good people in your circle elevate workplace culture, fostering trust, collaboration, and innovation. They inspire others to step up, creating a cohesive team where morale soars and turnover plummets. A strong circle becomes the foundation for long-term organizational success.
On clients: When you surround yourself with good people, the client experience improves dramatically. Clients sense the alignment and positivity within your team, which translates into better service, trust, and satisfaction. Happy teams make for happy clients, and that trust drives loyalty and long-term relationships.
On family and friends: The positivity and resilience you gain from a strong circle naturally extend to your personal life. You become more present, balanced, and supportive in your relationships outside of work. Surrounding yourself with good people isn’t just about leadership—it’s about being the best version of yourself in all areas of life.
On yourself: Perhaps the most profound ripple effect is on you as a leader. Good people challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow. They hold up a mirror to your strengths and weaknesses, helping you evolve in ways you couldn’t achieve alone. Surrounding yourself with good people isn’t just about external success—it’s about personal transformation and fulfillment.
Every ripple starts with intentionality. When you choose to surround yourself with good people, the effects radiate outward, transforming not only your leadership but every aspect of your life and work.
Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about having the smartest people in your corner.
How Leaders Can Build Their Inner Circle
Building a network of good people doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional effort and a clear strategy. So, where do you find them, and how do you draw them into your inner circle? Start by actively seeking out individuals in diverse settings, from professional networks and conferences to volunteer opportunities and even social gatherings. Look beyond your immediate circle to identify those whose values align with yours but who also bring fresh perspectives. Engage in meaningful conversations, ask thought-provoking questions, and observe how they interact with others.
Once you’ve identified potential allies, the next step is building authentic connections. This means being proactive—reach out, invite them for coffee, or collaborate on a project. Highlight shared goals and values while demonstrating your own commitment to growth and excellence. People are drawn to leaders who are genuine, supportive, and transparent about their vision. It’s also essential to nurture these relationships by staying engaged, offering mutual support, and recognizing their contributions. Cultivating a network isn’t about assembling people who agree with you; it’s about creating a dynamic, evolving circle that challenges, inspires, and uplifts you.
Define your values: Take a moment to think about what really matters to you as a leader. What principles guide your decisions, and what kind of energy do you want to surround yourself with? When you know the traits and qualities you value most, you naturally start drawing in people who resonate with those same principles. It’s about clarity—when you’re clear on your values, you attract the right people.
Prioritize diversity: Surround yourself with good people who challenge you to see the world differently. The best decisions come from hearing voices that aren’t just echoes of your own. When your circle includes a mix of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, creativity flows, blind spots shrink, and your leadership becomes richer and more adaptable.
Foster mutual respect: Great relationships start with trust and respect, but they grow through transparency and appreciation. Take the time to genuinely acknowledge what others bring to the table. And don’t forget to set clear expectations—when everyone knows what’s needed, mutual respect flourishes naturally.
Seek out feedback: The people who truly care about your growth won’t just tell you what you want to hear—they’ll tell you what you need to hear. Surround yourself with those who challenge your ideas, point out blind spots, and encourage you to aim higher. Feedback isn’t just constructive; it’s transformative when it comes from a place of trust and mutual respect.
Lead by example: Lastly, and maybe most importantly, if you want to surround yourself with good people, start by being the kind of person they’re drawn to. Show integrity, kindness, and purpose in everything you do. Let your actions reflect the values you want to see in others, and you’ll naturally attract those who share your vision and raise the bar for your leadership.
As I discussed in my book, The Image of Leadership, your environment is a critical part of your professional image. This includes not just physical spaces but also the people you choose to surround yourself with. Many of these concepts—like building a supportive network and understanding how your inner circle shapes your image—are explored in depth in the book.
Your values attract your tribe—define them clearly.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Mastering The Art Of The First Impression: Building A Lasting Brand Legacy
This Forbes article delves into the pivotal role of intentional actions in shaping trust and credibility, offering insightful examples of how first impressions can define personal and professional success.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the risks of not surrounding yourself with good people?
Poorly chosen team members can lead to miscommunication, mistrust, and reduced morale, ultimately harming organizational success.
Can leaders cultivate good people within their existing teams?
Absolutely! By fostering growth, encouraging feedback, and setting clear expectations, leaders can help team members rise to their potential.
How does your inner circle affect decision-making as a leader?
A well-rounded circle challenges your assumptions, broadens your perspective, and minimizes blind spots, enabling you to make more informed and balanced decisions.
Who’s in Your Circle? Why Leaders Must Surround Themselves with Good People
Surrounding yourself with good people isn’t just a leadership strategy—it’s the foundation of greatness. Good people elevate your leadership, amplify your vision, and inspire a culture where success becomes a shared achievement.
So, who’s in your circle?
