Edition 9: Proximity: It matters more than we think!

Proximity matters!

We often think growth comes from more knowledge. Another course. Another framework. Another book.

But sometimes growth comes from something much simpler — and much more powerful.

Who you are close to.

The people around us shape what feels normal, what feels possible, and what standard we hold ourselves to. In leadership, that matters more than we often realise.

As Jim Rohn once said:

I was reminded of this recently while reflecting on an idea often discussed in high-performance leadership circles: we are deeply shaped by the standards of the environments around us. Jocko Willink captures a similar principle powerfully in Extreme Ownership:

In other words, whatever a team repeatedly accepts becomes the new standard.

I was also recently coaching a leader in health around this exact subject; they said they had MBA, Degrees etc but now need exposure to take the next step - I could not have agreed more. We went on to discuss ways to do this and how being around people who are slightly ahead of you can really support growth and learning to that next level and thus such an important idea for leadership in health.

In health (or anywhere for that matter) we do not lead in isolation. We are shaped by the pace, habits, expectations and behaviours of the rooms we spend time in.

In some environments, it becomes normal to run late, stay buried in email, jump from issue to issue, and wear reactivity like a badge of honour. In those environments, constant busyness can start to feel standard. Even acceptable - I’m sure you have all experienced this at some point. It does not feel good!

In others, it becomes normal to pause, think, plan, review what matters, ask better questions, and support one another well. In those spaces, a different standard is set. One that lifts people rather than drains them.

That is one of the reasons this feels like a natural next conversation after my recent Inbox@Zero in edition 8.

Because Inbox@Zero was never just about email.

It was about reducing noise. Reclaiming attention. Creating a more deliberate operating rhythm. Moving from constant reaction to purposeful action.

But sustaining that shift is much easier when the people around you are working to a similar standard.

When you are in proximity to leaders who are thoughtful, generous, practical and committed to improving how they lead, something changes.

• You think better.
• You work better.
• You lead better.

This is one of the reasons I believe so strongly in peer learning.

Some of the most valuable leadership learning does not come from formal content alone. It comes from hearing how someone else approached a difficult staffing issue. How they structured their week to stay out of the weeds.

How they are using data more meaningfully. What they tried, what failed, and what they would do differently now.

That kind of learning is practical, honest and deeply reassuring.

It reminds us that we are not the only ones navigating complexity. It gives us language, ideas and confidence. And often, it helps us raise our own standard simply by being in the right room.

Leadership can be lonely, especially in operational roles. There is a lot to hold, and not always many places to think out loud with people who truly understand the work.

That is why I am so excited to be launching my new community in June.

At the heart of it will be a monthly mastermind designed to support peer learning, exchange of ideas, shared problem-solving and group coaching for health leaders who want to keep growing in a meaningful way.

My vision is simple.

• To create a room where proximity works in your favour.
• A space where thoughtful leadership is normal.
• Where practical ideas are shared generously.
• Where challenge and support sit side by side.
• Where leaders learn from each other.
• And where the standard is lifted together.

Because sometimes the next level of growth is not another piece of information.

Sometimes it is a new room.

If this sounds like the kind of space you have been looking for, you can join through the link below:

​Health Operations Inner Circle​

I look forward to seeing you on the inside

— Jocko Willink, Extreme Ownership

​ Jo Glover Leadership Coach & Operational Expert in Health Empowering Health Leaders to Believe, Lead & Achieve 📧 jo@jo-glover.com​ 🌐 jo-glover.com​ 🔗 LinkedIn​ Previous editions can be found here​

Bollen Road, Mount Barker, SA 5251
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