31 Ways to Grow Your Leadership – #2

The Challenge

Every leader has influence, but every leader is also influenced.

Who you let into your circle shapes who you become. Period.

Ever notice how you pick up phrases, habits, even attitudes from the people you hang around? That’s why your circle matters. Hang out with wise, humble, faith-filled people – you’ll rise. Hang out with cynical, reckless, self-centered people – you’ll sink.

The people you surround yourself with are either fueling your leadership or sabotaging it.

@jimmy.mcloud Your friends determine the direction and quality of your life! #sermonclip #sermon #church #relationships #friends #encouragement #Jesus #Faith #ChristianTikTok #FYP #foryoupage #youarenotalone #sundayinspiration #encouragementfortoday #JesusForAllPeople #AllForTheOne @fcccanton ♬ original sound – Jimmy McLoud

The Solution

Proverbs 2:20 (NLT):
“Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous.”

Process It

Proverbs doesn’t mince words: Choose your path by choosing your people.

“Follow the steps of good men” implies action – intentionally walking in the same direction as those who are already walking wisely. This isn’t passive. It’s not “be around good people sometimes.” It’s “align your life with theirs.”

Why? Because every “path” leads somewhere. The righteous path leads to life and flourishing; the foolish path leads to regret and destruction. And here’s the kicker: you rarely notice you’re on the wrong path until you’re pretty far along the way.

Apply It

Who’s in your circle? Here’s how to evaluate and intentionally choose who shapes your life in four arenas:

• At School:
  Identify the 2–3 friends who consistently make you want to be better, not just cooler. Spend more time with them this week than with anyone else.
• At Home:
  Audit your household influences (TV, social media, podcasts). Ask: Are these voices building wisdom or feeding foolishness? Remove one unhelpful influence this week.
• At Work:
  Invite a respected coworker or boss to lunch. Ask them how they approach challenges and what principles guide their decisions.
• At Church:
  Join a small group, class, or serving team where wise people are walking with Jesus. Proximity to righteous people creates accountability and growth.

Bottom Line

Your direction is determined by your connections, so choose wisely who you walk with.