Let’s Talk About the People and Choices Guiding Your Growth

“We are the sum total of the decisions we make.” - Albert Camus

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” - Jim Rohn

Taken together, these two truths reveal something every leader should pay attention to:

Your environment - your choices, your community, and your values - is shaping you every day.
And it’s shaping the people who look to you for leadership.

In a world where urgency screams loudly and distractions show up disguised as opportunities, the leaders who rise are the ones who intentionally create an environment anchored in purpose and aligned with their values.

This is the kind of leadership that builds people and strengthens communities - the mission that sits at the center of all my work.

1. Your Values Shape Your Decisions

Every decision you make — from how you set your priorities to how you show up in difficult moments - is a reflection of what you value most.

Whether you’re:

• choosing how to invest your time,

• navigating conflict,

• or deciding which opportunities deserve your “yes,”

your values silently guide the way.

Action Step: Identify Your Core 3 Values

Write down the three values that matter most in your leadership right now.

Then name:

• One behavior that reinforces each value

• One distraction that threatens each value

This becomes your decision-making filter - a simple practice with profound impact.

When your values are clear, your decisions become cleaner.

2. Your Circle Influences Your Leadership

Jim Rohn’s principle is not about limiting your relationships but about noticing your inputs.

The people closest to you shape:

• your mindset

• your confidence

• your sense of possibility

• your resilience

Every leader needs people who challenge them, sharpen them, and help them stay aligned with their purpose.

Action Step: Audit Your Circle

List the five voices most present in your life and leadership.

Reflect on these questions:

• Who strengthens my values?

• Who challenges my thinking in healthy ways?

• Who supports my growth?

• Who drains or distracts me from purpose?

You don’t have to cut people out - you simply adjust access and proximity.

3. The Environment You Create Impacts Others

Your leadership environment isn’t just shaping you - it’s shaping those you lead.

A grounded leader creates calm.
A values-driven leader creates clarity.
An intentional leader creates momentum.

Your presence either brings people in or pushes them away. It either fuels belonging or breeds confusion.

Action Step: Establish a Daily Leadership Reset

Each morning or before key conversations, take five minutes to:

1. Name your intention for how you want to show up.

2. Choose one value you will practice today.

3. Release one distraction that doesn’t deserve your energy.

The leaders who pause with intention lead with more impact.

4. Leadership Is About Helping Others Grow

True leadership is measured not by how far you go - but by how far others go because you were part of their journey.

When your environment is healthy, your values are clear, and your circle is intentional, you naturally create space for others to rise.

Action Step: Become Someone’s Growth Partner

Choose one person this week and ask:
“What’s one goal you’re working toward - and how can I support you?”

Your presence, encouragement, and consistency can become the catalyst for someone else’s breakthrough.

Final Reflection

Your environment is shaping you - right now, today.
Your values guide your decisions.
Your people influence your growth.
Your leadership affects every person connected to your work.

So ask yourself:
👉 Who am I becoming because of where I stand - and who is becoming better because they stand with me?

That’s the kind of leadership that carries teams, organizations, and missions forward.

Interested in going deeper?

If you’re a nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven leader wanting to build environments where people can thrive, I’d love to be a thinking partner on that journey.

👉 Let’s connect and explore what meaningful growth could look like for you and your team.