Black Belt Productivity

Lead up principle #5 in John C. Maxwell’s book The 360° Leader is to expand your circle of acquaintances. the word “expand” for many of us is naturally an uncomfortable word. When something expends, it stretches. Stretching something typically requires at least some discomfort. However, expanding our circle of acquaintances, though sometimes uncomfortable, can be very rewarding.

Doing this can have a couple of benefits. First, an expansion of our comfort zone can expose us to knowledge and experience that we would otherwise have not experienced. It opens out mind to new ideas and helps us think about things from another perspective.

Second, expanding our circle can also expand our network. The larger our network, the more potential opportunities become available to us.

John Maxwell tells us that we can expand our circle in several ways…

1. Expand Beyond Your Inner Circle

2. Expand Beyond Your Expertise

3. Expand Beyond Your Strengths

4. Expand Beyond Your Personal Prejudices

5. Expand Beyond Your Routine

Our minds are best used when stretched, like a rubber band. Stretching our comfort zone when it comes to people can open up a world to us that can make a difference both personally and professionally.