I was fascinated by an article in the New York Times last week that described how runners who train in groups tend to do better than those who train alone, even with a coach.
The article highlights the fact that the great American marathoners of the 70s and 80s trained in groups. Then when the 90s saw a shift to solo training in the U.S., American performance declined and runners from Ethiopia, Kenya and Japan, who continued training in groups, began to dominate.
Benefits of the buddy system
While the effect of group training on individual performance has never been scientifically studied, the anecdotal evidence makes sense intuitively. It would seem that no matter what your profession, pursuing an individual goal in the presence of others who are actively pursuing their own goals can help increase your motivation, drive and energy in part because:
1) Your competitive spirit kicks in
2) You push yourself because it’s harder to slack off when people are watching
3) You see the possibilities for yourself when you see others succeed
4) You feel more accountable because others are counting on you to show up and keep up
As an entrepreneur for the last nine years, I’ve experimented with different group structures for support. For example, being part of a mastermind group of peers who meet regularly, discuss their challenges and strive for ambitious goals offers a platform for brainstorming, problem solving, and encouragement.
Yet if being with a great group of people over time can give you strength and confidence, being with the wrong group can zap you of both.
Case in point…A few days after the group training article came out, The New York Times ran a story about another group phenomenon called job clubs, or more precisely “jobless clubs” where the unemployed can network, get job search help and commiserate.
When you’re looking for a job, it’s definitely a good idea to leave your house once in a while and talk to people. Being part of a support group can be tremendously beneficial, and someone may hear of an opportunity that doesn’t fit for them but might work for you.
Birds of a feather…
However, as some of the people interviewed in the article complained, sometimes the negativity from a few participants can bring the whole group down, and it may not take much for you to:
1) Lose your competitive spirit
2) Stop pushing yourself because no one else is pushing either
3) See nothing but impossibilities because others aren’t succeeding
4) Not feel accountable because everyone else is playing the blame game
The motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said that you are the average of the five people you hang out with. When you are trying to make significant improvements in your life, your career or your business, it’s critical to choose your comrades carefully.
Bringing the average up or down?
Are they:
- Taking responsibility for their actions or waiting for circumstances or people around them to change?
- Talking about the future or whining on and on about the “injustices” of the past?
- Looking for the opportunities ahead or wanting things to go back the way they were?
- Taking steps to reinvent themselves knowing the world is more competitive now or hoping for a rising tide to lift their boat?
- Learning new skills that will make them more marketable or convinced that years on the job are all that should matter?
Ask yourself these questions about the people you interact with most both in person and online. While it might be difficult to lose all the folks who bring you down (especially if you’re related to some of them, for instance) make changes where you can to minimize the roadblocks to reaching your goals.
Author:
Liz Lynch is founder of the Center for Networking Excellence and author of Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online (McGraw-Hill, 2008). Connect with Liz on Twitter at @liz_lynch and get your free Smart Networking Toolkit at http://www.SmartNetworking.com.
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Liz, this is a really good point you’re making. As a hobbyist musician, former BMX racer and former skateboarder, I can tell you that in all of those areas being around people who were motivated and talented invariably made me better at each. so, It stands to reason the same would be true for one’s professional network. It seems really obvious now, but I hadn’t considered it before. Nicely done!
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The impact of right or wrong goup can be phenomenon. I have discovered my best come out when i hang out with right crowd. One’s spirit catches the fire and strenghtened with hope of a great future. thanks Liz
Great article LIZ, I agree if you work alone, you need to be “Masterminding” which I am, but it’s articles like this that make me want to stretch myself more! Best-
Brian-
Great post, Liz. It’s amazing how we humans tend to mirror each other – so picking that mirror wisely is sound advice indeed. I was also very much struck by what a powerful tool the below list can be to assess your own personal mindset. I’m going to print this off and carry it around with me as a reminder to stay positive, forward-focused, and growth-oriented in my thinking. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
* Taking responsibility for their actions or waiting for circumstances or people around them to change?
* Talking about the future or whining on and on about the “injustices” of the past?
* Looking for the opportunities ahead or wanting things to go back the way they were?
* Taking steps to reinvent themselves knowing the world is more competitive now or hoping for a rising tide to lift their boat?
* Learning new skills that will make them more marketable or convinced that years on the job are all that should matter?
Nobody wants to be in last place. Whether it is one person or a thousand, we are going to step it up to ensure we’re not last. To mirror Gary’s comments, years ago I became a better mountain biker when I started riding with others. Suddenly you are thrown into an unfamiliar mix and realizing your weaknesses are going to slow everyone else down. So you step it up and push yourself harder.
Find and build your team.
Liz –
seeing more in ourselves, stepping up, or not letting anyone down all seem to be different angles on the great points you made. I think this applies to job search, work friend groups and others as well. great stuff that is clear to see, thanks for reminding us to watch for “downers”
-Shannon
Liz: Great post and judging from the comments, your readers appreciate this topic.
I am often surprised by people’s enthusiasm for having the biggest network or the most connections on Linked In. What about the right connections for you?
When you are interacting regularly with people who are up to bigger goals and improving, with a positive outlook, you grow and succeed. When you live in the midst of negativity and small thinking, that’s the perspective you take on. When you are hanging out with influencers, with others who have vibrant networks, your world view expands.
Upgrading one’s network is an essential factor in professional success and personal success as well.
Liz, I totally agree with your suggestion about masterminding. It can get pretty difficult if your only “listening to yourself in stereo.”
There is a caution, however. It’s easy to find people who find the idea of a mastermind attractive, and want to mastermind. They are eager and interested. However finding people who have staying power to remain committed to the process and who bring important business savvy and experience to the effort can be an entirely different matter.
I recommend people do a careful analysis before deciding on the participants with whom they want to mastermind:
1. Does the participant bring something new to the party, a skill or talent the group can learn from?
2. Does the participant have the strength of character to stay committed to the process in the face of scheduling challenges and other circumstances?
3. Does the participant have a vibrant network of leaders, decision makers, influencers so the group will be upgrading it’s network as well.
4. Does the participant have an attitude and mindset of generosity and positivity?
The quality of the mastermind members will have a profound effect on the success and longevity of the group.
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