| Something I read this past weekend made me think about those in my life that have played a pivotal role in who I am today. So I typed out this tweet:
https://twitter.com/KingdomCoa…
I wanted to expand on this idea that we are shaped by the people we are ‘around’ the most.
I really don’t think I can overstate the importance of this idea.
I have been positively impacted by so many people. I have also been around people that negatively impacted me. I am fortunate that the negative impact has been the exception rather than the rule.
Two People Who Had Massive Impact
In an attempt to be brief, I will only mention two who have greatly shaped who I am.
The first is Brent Kemnitz, my college pitching coach. Awesome dude. Really helped me to believe in myself. Really showed me what it looks like to connect with people and to bring energy into a room. Massively impactful!
The second is Rodney Hobbs, my boss when I spent six years working at Stonegate Church. Elite leader. Super wise. A developer of people. He helped me grow in ways that have allowed me to do what I am doing today.
If I were not around these two men, my life would no doubt be different. I accidentally positioned myself around Brent Kemnitz. I strategically positioned myself around Rodney Hobbs.
I loved Brent during the recruiting process, but I was young and dumb at the time…thinking “WSU is a top 5 program…I’m in!”
I met Rodney when I was 32. We started attending Stonegate Church and I knew I had to find a way to spend time learning from him. So I reached out to see if he would be willing to meet up with me a couple of times a month. One of the smartest things I have ever done!
Final Encouragement
Don’t be passive about this. Be super intentional about positioning yourself around people that sharpen you!
Quick story: The name Kyle Stark was mentioned to me as a possible guest on my podcast. Kyle is the former assistant GM for the Pittsburg Pirates. I recorded a podcast with him and knew almost immediately that I need to spend time with him. So several weeks after our recording, I reached out to see if he would be willing to connect on a consistent basis to allow me to bounce some ideas off of him (or in other words…learn from him:). I am better because of Kyle Stark. He is a difference maker!
The Tribe
The Tribe might be a good place to start getting around other sharp people. The Tribe is not a magic pill. It is an opportunity to consistently get around other people who can help you be better. You do this consistently enough, and you will be a different, better leader! CLICK HERE if you want to sign up or learn more.
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