What Are You Closing Out of Your Circle?

I want you to think back to elementary school gym class for a second.  Remember when you had to get all the kids in your class to hold hands in a circle?  Inevitably, a perfect circle would be formed…And then a few more kids, who were off dilly-dallying somewhere, would show up and try to force themselves into the space that now doesn’t have enough room for them.

The gym teacher would then have to ask everyone to take one giant step backwards to open up the circle.  One big step backwards made all the difference.  Suddenly, space opened in the circle and everyone could be included in the game.

Consider this for a moment: Do you regularly look around to see if you’re closing anyone out of your circle?  What would one giant step backwards open up for you?

In business, new employees (whether new to the company or new to a team) should feel welcomed and encouraged to jump into projects and begin contributing.  Often times, fear of stepping on others’ toes holds new employees back.  Fitting in, navigating office politics or worrying about a first impression seem to take a priority, and so it takes months before the business gets the true benefit of that new employee’s strengths and fresh perspectives.

As leaders, we should encourage everyone not to hold back.  Always speak up, always contribute an idea – even if you’re new, even if it sounds crazy and even if it comes from the most unlikely person.  We should create a positive, energetic and creative environment that draws people in and includes their strengths, ideas and feedback.  A closed circle blocks all of these things, but one step back could create a new dynamic that feeds everyone’s success.

In life, we should look to see who the newcomers are to our neighborhood, church, school, community or sports organizations.  Do you seek these people out and see how you can help them feel more comfortable?  Wouldn’t you want someone to do that for you?

What if that new person has something great to contribute to your community?  What if they’re just the kind of friend you’d love to be around?  What if they could enrich your life?

You’d never know unless you opened your circle to them.

Perhaps people come into our circles for a reason.  Perhaps they’re sent to us with purpose and a plan.  Perhaps it’s fate, or perhaps it could be dumb luck.  Regardless, take that step to open your circle.  See what happens when you invite others to the game.

Erin Schreyer is President of Sagestone Partners and a Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker.  Erin is passionate about building into people and bringing out their leadership qualities to help them excel in all areas of life.