”Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
— Oprah Winfrey
Your environment influences you more than you think.
The environment is about much more than just a physical space. It includes the people you surround yourself with, the tools you have access to, the systems you operate within, and even the invisible norms that shape your everyday life.
In the Pyramid of Change, this is the lowest level – the foundation that impacts all other parts.It’s the part that’s easiest to change, yet it’s often the one we underestimate. Just like a seed needs the right soil, sunlight, and water to grow, you and I need the right conditions in our environment to develop and flourish.
👉 What does your environment look like? Does it strengthen you or limit you?
Your environment shapes your leadership.
As a manager and leader, you are daily influenced by your work environment, the people you collaborate with, and the structures in place. The question is:
✅ Does your environment give you energy, or does it drain you?
✅ Do you and your colleagues inspire each other to grow?
✅ Do you support each other when the going gets tough?
When the pandemic broke out, I had an important realization – my social network where I live was very limited. For many years, my job had involved a lot of travel, which meant that when I was finally home, I prioritized rest and family. I had friends all over the world, but few I could meet for a spontaneous coffee.
It became a wake-up call. I chose to actively change my environment. by reconnecting with my congregation and getting involved there. Today, I’m one of two chairpersons in our parish leadership – a role that has given me new perspectives and a place where I get to share different stages of life with others. It’s an environment where I both give and receive support, and where I’m constantly challenged to grow.
💡 What can you change in your environment to grow?
Vem lyfter dig – och vem lyfter du?
If I were to choose a single factor that has been crucial to my development, it would be the people in my environment. Those who believed in me before I believed in myself. Mentors, colleagues, and friends who have shown me new perspectives, pushed me to be braver, and helped me navigate through challenges.
In the same way, I’ve become more aware of how I influence others.
👉 How can I lift someone up today?
👉 How can I be a better mentor, colleague, or friend?
Our environment is not static – it’s shaped by us, and we can actively choose to create a space where more people dare to grow.
What can you do today?
Start by reflecting:
💭 Which people in your life are you grateful for?
💭 Who lifts you to the next level?
💭 Which person do you lift – and how can you do it even more?
💭 What networks are you a part of? Do they give you energy?
💭 What do you need in your environment to move forward?
If you feel that your environment isn’t helping you move forward – dare to change it. It could be about seeking new contexts, reaching out to a mentor, building new relationships, or creating an environment where both you and others can grow.
🌱 You are an important part of someone’s environment. By being clear about your values and acting on them, you create a positive impact on the people around you.
💬 Feel free to share in the comments – what change in your environment has had the greatest impact on you?