Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Hands-On ... - always yours

DEVELOPING OTHERS TOOLS AND STRATEGIES 229
6. CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE
This term was first used in Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of
Highly Effective People. It is useful in establishing responsibility
and in deciding when to refocus your energy on more fruitful
endeavors. (See Figure 5.1.)
CIRCLE OF CONCERN: These are concerns that are important
to you but that you don’t have any control over. They begin to be a
distractive noise that takes the place of truly focusing on what you
can actually do.
CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE (OR POWER): These are things you
do have control over and where you feel empowered. Put your
energy and effort here.
CIRCLE OF FOCUS: These are the key areas where you need to
focus. It is important to clarify a plan and the first steps.
FIGURE 5.1 CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE
CONCERN
INFLUENCE
FOCUS
Stephen R. Covey. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Simon & Schuster,
copyright 1989. Used by permission.