I first heard about Shine Theory from an article Ann Friedman wrote for The Cut. Being someone who often feels imposter syndrome, I was struck by the idea she proposed:
“Surrounding yourself with the best people doesn’t make you look worse by comparison. It makes you better.”
During the interview for my position at Friday Institute, one of the interviewees (now my colleague) asked me a question that I found intriguing. He invited me to comment on how I deal with working alongside people who are better and know more than I do. At that very moment, I stood in a room with people who I had looked up to and admired for a large part of my career. People who were deciding whether or not I fit in with the team.
I’m a perfectionist, so naturally the idea of surrounding myself with people who are smarter, more accomplished and more dynamic than myself, terrifies me. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time around these type of people, but I used to think that working alongside them meant my weaknesses would be highlighted. What I’ve found, however, is that surrounding myself with brilliance has done so much to push me forward. It helps me to be challenged, work harder, and consider ideas and opinions that might differ from your own.
Equally as important as being lifted up by those around you who shine, is noticing when the people around you need to be lifted up themselves. We all need a champion from time to time, and what an amazing thing to be for someone else. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word, a pat on the back, or a simple reassurance to remind someone she’s enough.