How Your Circle Drives Your Career Forward
CAREER
My experience working at two major companies has given me key takeaways, especially in how I perform and how I choose the right circle at work. At Nestlé Indonesia, I found the company profoundly successful in forming my entrepreneurial character and strengthening a “can-do” mentality that stays with me to this day. The culture taught me to treat my job as if it were my own business—to think and be responsible from A to Z. Occasionally, you even need to consider the "indirect responsibilities" tied to your role. It can feel like a lot sometimes, but thinking this way made a real difference for me—it helped me do better at work and actually enjoy what I was doing.
When I moved to HM Sampoerna, I learnt things that were just as important and valuable. In my view, Sampoerna fosters a work environment that values expertise, knowledge, and different points of view among its people. It’s easy to spot the smart people in any meeting room. Over time, I realised that I needed to equip myself, not only through how I performed but also through what I needed to develop along the way.
If I could sum up these experiences, I’d say that working at a multinational FMCG company means being ready and aware that you are in a fiercely competitive culture. To win the game, you must know who your allies are. In today's condition, building the right circle isn’t just about networking. It’s about treating your professional community as a true strategic asset—one you need to choose with care, invest in deeply, and keep working to maintain every day.
Science Says: The Power of Peers
This concept of strategic alliance directly reflects the research findings of Xiaoyue Shan and Ulf Zölitz. In a competitive environment, peers act as important models and sources of social pressure, encouraging individuals to participate in self-motivated personality change by adopting traits that are perceived as both desirable and productive within that system. Studies like “Effort Peer Effects in Team Production: Evidence from Professional Sports” (Management Science) make it clear: when you become part of a higher-performing team, your performance can jump by 11–14% of a standard deviation. It’s real proof that who you work with matters just as much as how you work.
The bottom line? Your circle is a big deal. Building and forming relationships with the right people pushes you to be the best version of yourself and be able to create beyond a career move – a mindset shift that sets us up for consistent betterment every day.
Establish the Foundational Mindset
Focusing on helping others can be a strong foundation for building the ideal circle. real influence and respect at work don't come from pretending to be important or trying to receive something in return for every good deed. Therefore, maintain your presence within your team consistently, be someone people can rely on, and constantly investigate how to contribute or help.
Identifying High-Performing Peers
The people you bring into your circle really shape your journey. Go for those who aren’t just skilled but who think things through, act with integrity, and look at the facts—people who lift you up, challenge you, and aren’t afraid to give honest feedback. Please keep in mind—different backgrounds and perspectives make the group stronger. And honestly, steer clear of anyone who’s just interested in politics or doing things for their gain. It often has a bad ending.
Keep Your Group Working Well Together
And finally, don’t overlook the structure. Keep your group tight—small teams (usually consisting of three to seven people) work best because everyone stays connected. Make sure everyone knows what you’re all working toward, and keep checking in with leaders or mentors so you’re always moving in the right direction. Once everyone is clear, aligned, and committed to growing together, allow the magic to unfold.
As a conclusion, I want to share this powerful reminder from Simon Sinek about why changing your circle truly matters. Sinek beautifully points out, “When you're constantly surrounded by negativity, by people who are stuck in their ways or too comfortable to grow, that energy is contagious. You might not realise it at first, but over time that energy becomes a part of you. Suddenly you're complaining about the same things they are. You're making excuses the way they do. You're settling for less because it feels like the safe thing to do.” The people we choose to keep close shape our mindset, energy, and drive—so let’s be mindful, intentional, and courageous in building a circle that helps us reach higher.
References
Sinek, S. Why Changing Your Circle is the Key to Personal Growth
Coyle, D. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups.
Fisher, C. M. The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.
Shan, X., & Zölitz, U. Peers Affect Personality Development.
