The first step is to understand that no one is perfect. Everyone is a work in progress even after graduating. So if someone is failing, struggling, or not pulling their weight, understand that they could use your help. While no one may notice you in school if you’re helping others succeed, you can be sure you will stand out from the rest of your co-workers if you’re leveling others up in the workplace.

In most team sports, while every member is important and needed, there are usually one or two players who simply make those around them better. Their skill, knowledge, and abilities ‘rub’ off on others. Others on the team are inspired and motivated by them. Other team members look up to them. These peak performers, the ones who help level up their peers, are invaluable.

To avoid freezing people, that is believing that certain individuals will never change, will never grow, you need to have the ability to inspire. The easiest way to inspire others is to believe in them. Believe, challenge, and support. Highly successful individuals do just this with their employees: believe in them, challenge them and support them. Be a high-value individual (HVI). Level up, don’t freeze people (or yourself).