Coaching tool
£4.99
A Coaching Tool for Clarity On Life Direction
Use this Circle of Influence Coaching Tool to build greater awareness over what you can control, where you can have greater influence and what you need to start ignoring because you can’t change or influence it.
A quick background to the Circle of Influence
Circles of Influence are a valuable concept that can help you better understand your personal and professional environment and make more effective decisions. The idea of circles of influence was popularized by Stephen Covey, in his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey believed that by focusing on what we can control and influence, rather than on what concerns us, we can achieve more and become more effective in our lives.
In this article, we will explore the concept of Circles of Influence in depth, providing practical steps to identify and expand your Circle of Influence. We will also look at real-life examples of how people have used this concept to make a positive impact, and how you can apply it in your personal and professional life. Finally, we will discuss the benefits of integrating Circles of Influence into your decision-making process and offer tips for overcoming common challenges when working with this concept.
Let’s start by understanding the three key components of Circles of Influence: the Circle of Control, the Circle of Influence, and the Circle of Concern.
Understanding Circle of Control, Circle of Influence, and Circle of Concern
The Circle of Control encompasses the things that we can directly control in our lives. These might be our actions, our reactions, and our choices. By focusing on the things within our Circle of Control, we can have a direct impact on our lives and make meaningful changes.
The Circle of Influence consists of the things that we can affect indirectly. These might include the decisions and actions of others, as well as broader social, economic, or political factors. While we cannot necessarily control these things directly, we can influence them through our actions, choices, and relationships.
Lastly, the Circle of Concern encompasses the things that concern us, but over which we have little or no control. These might include global events, natural disasters, or the actions of others that are beyond our reach. Focusing on our Circle of Concern can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety, as we are unable to directly affect these things.
Practical Steps to Identify and Expand Your Thinking with this Circle of Influence Coaching Tool
To identify your Circle of Influence, start by making a list of the things that are important to you in both your personal and professional life. This might include your relationships, your career, your finances, your health, or your personal development.
Next, organize these items into the three categories mentioned earlier: Circle of Control, Circle of Influence, and Circle of Concern. Be honest with yourself about what you can truly control or influence. This exercise will help you gain clarity on where you should focus your time and energy.
To expand your Circle of Influence, you can take several practical steps. One of the most effective ways is to build strong relationships with others, as this can help you influence their decisions and actions. This might involve networking, collaborating, or simply being a good friend or colleague.
Another way to expand your Circle of Influence is by improving your skills and knowledge. By becoming more knowledgeable and skilled in a certain area, you can have a greater impact on the decisions and actions of others.
Real-Life Examples of Using Circles of Influence Effectively
Let’s explore some real-life examples of people using Circles of Influence to create positive change.
A manager at a large corporation was frustrated by the slow decision-making process in their organization. Rather than focusing on their Circle of Concern (the company’s bureaucracy), they decided to focus on their Circle of Influence by building relationships with key decision-makers and providing valuable input on important projects. Over time, their influence grew, and they were able to affect positive change within the company.
A parent was concerned about their child’s school curriculum. They couldn’t control the curriculum directly, so they focused on their Circle of Influence by joining the school’s parent-teacher association and becoming an active participant in school meetings. By doing so, they were able to voice their concerns and contribute to discussions about the curriculum, ultimately helping to shape it in a way that better suited their child’s needs.
How to Apply Circles of Influence in Personal and Professional Life
Applying Circles of Influence in your personal and professional life involves being mindful of where you focus your time and energy. Start by regularly assessing your Circle of Control, Circle of Influence, and Circle of Concern. This will help you stay aware of where your attention is being directed and ensure that you are focusing on the areas where you can have the greatest impact.
In your professional life, you can apply Circles of Influence by building strong relationships with colleagues and superiors, participating in key projects, and continually developing your skills and expertise. This will help you become a more influential and effective member of your organization.
In your personal life, you can apply Circles of Influence by focusing on the aspects of your life that you can directly control or influence, such as your health, relationships, and personal development. By directing your energy towards these areas, you can create positive change in your life and the lives of those around you.
Overcoming Common Challenges When Working with Circles of Influence
There are several common challenges people face when working with Circles of Influence. One of the main challenges is the tendency to focus on our Circle of Concern, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and helplessness.
To overcome this challenge, it’s important to regularly assess your Circle of Control, Circle of Influence, and Circle of Concern, and consciously direct your attention towards the areas where you can have the greatest impact. This will help you stay focused and feel more in control of your life.
Another common challenge is the difficulty of accepting that we cannot control everything. It’s important to recognize that while we can influence many aspects of our lives, there are some things that will always be beyond our control. Accepting this reality can help reduce stress and allow us to focus on the areas where we can make a difference.
The Benefits of Integrating Circles of Influence in Decision-Making
Integrating Circles of Influence in your decision-making process can provide several benefits. Firstly, it can help you make more effective decisions by focusing your attention on the areas where you can have the greatest impact. This can lead to better outcomes and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Secondly, using Circles of Influence can help reduce stress and anxiety by shifting your focus away from the things that you cannot control. This can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Finally, integrating Circles of Influence in your decision-making process can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness, as you become more conscious of where you are directing your time and energy. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and development, as well as increased effectiveness in both your personal and professional life.
In conclusion, Circles of Influence are a powerful tool that can help you better understand your environment, make more effective decisions, and become more effective in your personal and professional life. Use this Circle of Influence Coaching Tool to identifying and expanding your your thinking and create positive change towards your goals.
