“It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.” — Warren Buffett
The people we spend time with don’t just influence our mood or our day; they shape who we become. This truth has profound implications for how we approach professional relationships and career development.
Look around your workplace, your industry events, your professional networks. Who are you gravitating toward? Are they people who challenge you to grow, or people who make you comfortable staying where you are? The difference often matters more than we realize.
Seeking out people “better than you” isn’t about hierarchy or status – it’s about character and growth. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who demonstrate the qualities you want to develop: Integrity under pressure, kindness in difficult situations, wisdom in decision-making, or resilience in the face of setbacks.
This principle requires self-reflection and intentionality. Self-reflection to acknowledge that we have room to grow, and intentionality to seek out relationships that serve our development rather than just our comfort. It means being the junior person in the room sometimes, asking questions, and learning from others’ experiences.
The beautiful thing about this approach is that it creates a positive, virtuous cycle. When we seek out people of high character, we’re more likely to develop those same traits. As we develop, we become the kind of person others want to learn from, continuing the chain of positive influence.
Who in your professional circle embodies qualities you admire? How can you spend more time learning from them? Remember, proximity to excellence isn’t accidental – it’s a choice we make daily. Choose wisely.
Happy Networking!