On a visit to the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I discovered quickly that even though “Trinis” speak English, the local vernacular contains many intriguing expressions. One such expression: “If you play with dog, you must get fleas.” A friendly Trini obligingly explained: “If you associate with lowlifes, it will eventually rub off on you,” he said.
It occurred to me how true that is of any aspect of our professional and personal lives. If you associate yourself with negative people, it is not long before their toxicity begins to affect you and pull you down to their level. The people you spend time with shape your mindset more than you may realize.
Similarly, if you make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive people, who can serve both as role models and a source of inspiration, that too will eventually rub off on you. When you surround yourself with positive people, optimism, confidence, and possibility begin to feel normal rather than exceptional.
Yup, the Trinis have it right: if you play with dog, you must get fleas; but the kind of people you choose to associate with is up to you. Choose to surround yourself with positive people, and the results will follow.
Who are the people who most influence your mindset at work right now? Have you noticed how certain colleagues energize you while others drain your motivation? What intentional choices have you made about the people you surround yourself with professionally or personally? Please share your experiences by adding your comment below, so we can all learn together.
Merge’s leadership development consultancy has one singular focus – to turn managers into leaders; to help great people become exceptional leaders so that they can turn their people power into real and tangible results. Through her speaking, training, consulting, mentoring and facilitation services, Merge helps leaders in organizations create high-performing workplaces.
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