The Power of Circles

- Hashim Alsharif

Success is a vague term, but if you want to be prominently successful, you must surround yourself with the right people—those who push you to your limits. I’ve always been fascinated by how people grow and improve when they’re part of the right groups. Today, I want to talk about the types of groups that can shape you personally and professionally.

1. University

I didn’t go to the best university, but for most people I know, university played a critical role in building their network. The catch? Most university students are still figuring themselves out and may feel lost. That’s why attending a great university—one with an impressive alumni network—can fast-track your growth. It creates opportunities to meet people with huge potential, even if they don’t yet know what they want to do.

Being open to meeting new people is essential in this setting. The value isn’t in expecting everyone to have it all figured out, but in recognizing their potential. Take Harvard or Stanford alumni as an example—many of them didn’t know where they were headed during their university days, but the environment helped unlock their greatness.

2. Circled Groups

I’ve tried joining these kinds of groups in Saudi Arabia, but they don’t work well here. These are clubs, meetups, or recurring events that aren’t tied to a professional or educational organization. Most of the time, you’ll find hobbyists rather than people motivated to build or achieve something meaningful. While such groups might work in other places, I’ve found they lack the focus and drive necessary for real growth in this region.¹

3. Companies

This is where the magic happens. Companies are breeding grounds for innovation and new startups. It’s where you find people who are insanely talented. You can assess their abilities through what they deliver—input versus output. A lot of successful PMs, especially in companies like Ramp, owe their growth to the quality of people they worked with.

Great companies often become launchpads for new ventures. Talented employees leave, taking one or two like-minded colleagues with them to start something new. This is where you get your “foundership” minted.

You need to be intentional about the people you connect with at work. There’s a big difference between good people personally and good employees. You should aim to befriend the latter because you’ll spend most of your time with them. Surrounding yourself with mediocre individuals can hold you back—you eventually adopt their habits and mindset.²

I once told a friend, “I don’t think X is a good employee. He doesn’t seem hardworking or dedicated.” My friend said, “You can be an average employee but still a good person.” That might be true, but if you’re aiming for real success, you have to be very selective about who you surround yourself with. I make sure the people around me are the kind of people I’d want to hire tomorrow—people I can trust to get things done. Anyone who doesn’t meet that standard just takes up space and slows you down.

What Should You Look for in the People Around You?

If you want to be extremely successful, you need to be deliberate about the qualities you look for in the people you surround yourself with. Here are the traits I prioritize:

  1. High Rate of Improvement

    Look for people who are constantly improving—minute by minute, day by day. Their growth should make you feel a little insecure, which is good because insecurity can be a powerful driver of success.

  1. Intelligent and Action-Oriented

    Choose people who are intellectually curious and constantly seeking new challenges. They don’t just dream big—they get things done. Intelligence combined with execution is a winning combination.

  1. Truthful and Straightforward

    I value people who are honest and direct. They can express their ideas and emotions respectfully but without unnecessary bureaucracy. They tell it like it is, and that’s the kind of communication I thrive on.

  1. Obsessive

    Obsession is a key indicator of focus and dedication. Obsessive people spend their time honing their craft instead of wasting it on distractions. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with watching movies or relaxing, but obsession drives people to push their limits and achieve extraordinary things.

  1. Uniquely Different

    Seek out people who don’t fit into the average mold. The ones who seem awkward, unconventional, or just a little “off.” These individuals tend to think differently, and that’s where brilliance often comes from. If someone feels like they don’t belong, they’re probably exactly the kind of person you need in your corner.³

    Notes

    1. This is based on my personal experience and might not apply everywhere. I still attend meetups occasionally, but I focus on spotting the names that come up repeatedly. These events are a great way to connect with people who are making an impact.
    1. Being decisive about who you spend your time with is crucial. Don’t hesitate to embrace this, even if others think you’re too extreme. Sometimes, success demands that you take a hard stance.
    1. Misfits are incredible. Look for people who don’t fit the typical mold—they might not align with everyone, but they align with your values and stand out in extraordinary ways.

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© 2024 Hashim Alsharif