The Circle of Influence: Focus on what you can control

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, organisations and individuals face the challenge of effectively directing their energy and attention. The Circle of Influence is a concept that can help you to focus on what you can really influence and thereby increase your effectiveness and satisfaction. In this blog post, I will explain what the Circle of Influence is, what benefits it offers and how you can apply it in your professional and personal life.

The Circle of Influence: what is it?

The Circle of Influence is a concept that was popularised by Stephen R. Covey in his book "The 7 Ways to Effectiveness". It describes the areas of our lives that we can directly influence. This sphere of influence stands in contrast to the Circle of Concern, which encompasses all things that affect us but are beyond our direct control.

Benefits of focussing on the Circle of Influence

• 1. Stress reduction: by focussing on things that can actually influence you, you reduce the feeling of helplessness and stress.
• 2. Effectiveness: your efforts are more focussed and productive as you are not wasting your energy on uncontrollable factors.
• 3. Positive attitude: focussing on the sphere of influence promotes a positive attitude as you experience a sense of achievement through controllable change.
• 4. Improved relationships: People who focus on their Circle of Influence tend to be more proactive and solution orientated, which leads to better interpersonal relationships.

How to identify and expand your Circle of Influence

• 1. Create awareness: The first step is to become aware of which aspects of your life you can and cannot control. Make a list of all your current worries and categorise them as "controllable" and "uncontrollable".
• 2. Be proactive: focus on taking action in the areas that can influence you. This may mean learning new skills, nurturing relationships or optimising the way you work.
• 3. Prioritise: Set clear priorities and focus your energy on the most important tasks that you can influence. This will increase your efficiency and effectiveness.
• 4. Accept limits: Accept that there are things that are out of your control. By recognising these limits, you avoid unnecessary stress and frustration.

Application examples of the Circle of Influence in professional life

Project management

A project manager focuses on optimising resources, schedules and team dynamics rather than worrying about external market conditions.

Sales

A salesperson focuses on improving their sales skills and customer relationships rather than fretting about the competition.

Leadership

A team leader works to motivate and develop their team instead of complaining about management decisions.

Conclusion

Focusing on the Circle of Influence can have a very positive impact on your effectiveness and satisfaction. By directing your energy to the areas you can control, you reduce stress, increase your productivity and promote a positive attitude. Whether at work or at home, focussing on your sphere of influence will help you to be more proactive and solution-oriented and thus achieve sustainable success.

Would you like to find out more about exciting topics from the world of adesso? Then take a look at our previous blog posts.