Also called: Circles of Concern and Influence, Sphere of Influence, Circle of Power, and Circle of Trust
See also: Roles and Responsibilities, Stakeholder Mapping, Team Radar, Three Little Pigs, WiiFM, Self-Determination Theory
Relevant metrics: Number of new connections made within the circles of influence, Increase in engagement and interaction within the circles of influence, Number of referrals or recommendations received from the circles of influence, Increase in brand awareness and recognition within the circles of influence, and Conversion rate of leads generated from the circles of influence
What is the Circle of Influence framework?
Circles of Influence refer to the various groups of people and entities that have an impact on our lives. These circles can include our family, friends, colleagues, professional network, community, and even our social media followers. Understanding our circles of influence is crucial because it helps us focus our energy and resources on the things that matter most in our personal and professional lives.
The three circles of influence are:
- Circle of control: Things I can control. The inner circle comprises the primary stakeholders, such as the product team, the management, and the investors. These individuals have a direct impact on the product’s development and its ultimate success. They are responsible for setting the product’s vision, defining its features, and ensuring that it aligns with the company’s goals.
- Circle of influence: Things I can influence. The middle circle includes the secondary stakeholders, such as the customers, partners, and vendors. These individuals have a significant influence on the product’s success, as they provide valuable feedback and insights into the product’s usability, functionality, and overall value proposition.
- Circle of concern: Things I have no control over. The outer circle comprises the tertiary stakeholders, such as the media, analysts, and industry experts. These individuals have a more indirect impact on the product’s success, as they shape the public perception of the product and its brand image.
Understanding the Circles of Influence is crucial for Product Managers and User Experience professionals, as it helps them identify the key stakeholders and their respective roles in the product’s development. By mapping out the Circles of Influence, they can create a comprehensive strategy that addresses the needs and expectations of each group, ultimately leading to a successful product launch and long-term growth.
Where did the Circles of Influrence framework originate from?
Circles of Influence is a term that originated in the field of social psychology. It refers to the concept that individuals are influenced by the people and groups around them, and that these influences can be categorized into different circles or levels of proximity. The term was first introduced by psychologist Kurt Lewin in the 1940s, who used it to describe the various social forces that shape an individual’s behavior and attitudes.
Lewin’s theory of Circles of Influence suggests that people are influenced by a range of factors, including their family, friends, colleagues, and wider social networks. These influences can be positive or negative, and can impact an individual’s beliefs, values, and behaviors in different ways. By understanding the different circles of influence that exist in a person’s life, psychologists and educators can develop strategies to promote positive social change and encourage individuals to make healthier choices.
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.” - Dr. Stephen R. Covey
The framework was popularized in Stephen Covey’s book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” In here, the circle of influence refers to the things that an individual can influence or change. The circle of influence can include things like your attitude, behavior, and actions, as well as the relationships you have with others. The circle of influence is divided into two main categories, namely the circle of control and the circle of influence.
Why is the Circles of Influence a relevant framework?
Circles of influence are most commonly used in situations where an individual or organization is seeking to achieve a particular goal or outcome. In such cases, identifying the key players who have the power to influence the decision-making process is essential. This can include individuals who hold positions of authority, such as managers or executives, as well as those who have a strong social or professional network.
The framework is also relevant in situations where an individual is seeking to build relationships or establish a network of contacts. In such cases, understanding the circles of influence within a particular industry or community can be invaluable. By identifying the key players and building relationships with them, an individual can increase their own influence and expand their opportunities.
In change management, the circles of influence framework can be used in situations where an individual or organization is seeking to effect change or create a movement. By identifying the key players who have the power to influence public opinion or policy, it is possible to create a strategy that leverages their influence to achieve the desired outcome.
Understanding when to use this term is essential to its effective application. Whether seeking to achieve a particular goal, build relationships, or effect change, identifying the key players who have the power to influence the decision-making process is crucial. By leveraging the power of circles of influence, individuals and organizations can achieve their desired outcomes and create positive change in the world.”
Applying the Circles of Influence framework
The first step in leveraging your Circles of Influence is identifying who they are. Take some time to reflect on the people and groups that are important to you, both personally and professionally. Consider the level of impact each circle has on your life and how important they are to achieving your goals. You can use tools like mind mapping or brainstorming to help you create a visual representation of your Circles of Influence.
When mapping out your circles of influence, it can be helpful to ask yourself a series of questions to guide your thinking and ensure that you are identifying the areas where you have the most influence. Here are a few good questions to ask yourself:
- Is your focus and time primarily spent in the circle of concern or influence?
- Which of these goals and objectives are within my control to achieve?
- What are the specific actions or tasks that are required to achieve these goals and objectives?
- Which of these actions or tasks fall within my circle of influence?
- Which actions or tasks are outside of my circle of influence?
- Are there any areas where I can expand my circle of influence, either by building relationships or developing new skills?
- How can I leverage my circle of influence to achieve my goals and objectives more effectively?
Once you have identified your Circles of Influence, prioritize them based on their level of importance. Your family, for instance, may have the most significant influence on your life, followed by your colleagues, and then your social media followers. Prioritizing your Circles of Influence helps you to focus your energy and resources on the most critical relationships.
Nurturing your Circles of Influence
Building and maintaining strong relationships with the people in your Circles of Influence is essential. Communication, trust, and mutual respect are the key elements of nurturing these relationships. Here are some tips on how to build and maintain strong relationships with your Circles of Influence:
- Communicate regularly. Make an effort to stay in touch with the people in your Circles of Influence. A quick phone call, text message, or email can go a long way in keeping your relationships alive.
- Show appreciation. Express your gratitude and appreciation for the people in your Circles of Influence. Let them know that you value their contribution to your life.
- Offer support. Be there for the people in your Circles of Influence when they need you. Offer support and assistance, and be willing to go the extra mile to help them.
- Be authentic. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Authenticity builds trust and helps to strengthen your relationships.
Using the Circles of Influence framework in a workshop setting
The following workshop outline can help you identify and prioritize the things that you can control, influence, and have no control over in a given situation. It can be used to help you focus your energy and resources on the areas where you can make the most impact and minimize your stress and frustration with things that are outside of your control.
Here is a step-by-step workshop exercise that you can use to apply the Circles of Influence framework:
- Define the problem or situation: Start by identifying the problem or situation that you want to address. It could be a work-related challenge, a personal goal, or anything else that you are currently dealing with.
- Draw three circles: Draw three circles on a whiteboard or flipchart, with the smallest one in the center and the largest one on the outside. Label the circles as follows:
- Circle 1: Things I can control
- Circle 2: Things I can influence
- Circle 3: Things I have no control over
- Brainstorm ideas: Have the group brainstorm ideas and list them in the appropriate circle. For example, in Circle 1, you might list things like “my attitude,” “my behavior,” “my skills,” or “my work ethic.” In Circle 2, you might list things like “my colleagues,” “my boss,” “my team,” or “my stakeholders.” In Circle 3, you might list things like “the economy,” “government regulations,” “natural disasters,” or “other people’s opinions.”
- Discuss each circle: After the brainstorming session, discuss each circle in turn. Ask the group to reflect on the items listed in each circle and discuss their potential impact on the problem or situation. For example, in Circle 1, you might discuss how focusing on things like attitude and behavior can help you take control of the situation and achieve your goals. In Circle 2, you might discuss how building relationships and engaging with key stakeholders can help you influence the situation. In Circle 3, you might discuss how accepting that some things are outside of your control can help you reduce stress and focus on the things that you can control or influence.
- Prioritize actions: Once you have discussed each circle, ask the group to identify specific actions that they can take to address the problem or situation. Encourage them to focus on the items in Circle 1 and Circle 2, and to think about how they can leverage their control and influence to achieve their goals. Finally, ask the group to prioritize the actions based on their potential impact and feasibility.
Frequently asked questions about the Circles of Influence framework
What is Circle of Influence in 7 Habits?
In Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the Circle of Influence is a concept that refers to the things that an individual has control over, such as their behavior, attitudes, and actions. It includes the areas where an individual can make an impact or influence outcomes, such as relationships, work, health, and personal development. The Circle of Influence is based on the idea that focusing on the things that an individual can control, rather than worrying about the things they cannot, leads to greater productivity, success, and happiness.
What are Examples of Circle of Control?
Examples of Circle of Control include an individual’s thoughts, emotions, actions, and behaviors. It also includes the decisions that an individual makes, such as what they eat, how they spend their time, and who they associate with. Other examples of Circle of Control include an individual’s personal finances, health, and education. Essentially, anything that an individual has the power to change or influence falls under their Circle of Control.
What is Circle of Control in Psychology?
In psychology, the Circle of Control refers to the things that an individual has control over in their environment. It is based on the concept of locus of control, which is the extent to which an individual believes that they have control over the outcomes in their life. People with an internal locus of control believe that they can control their own destiny, while those with an external locus of control believe that their life is mainly determined by outside factors. The Circle of Control is an important concept in cognitive-behavioral therapy, which emphasizes the power of changing one’s thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health.
What is circle of control in psychology?
The circle of control is a concept in psychology that refers to the things within an individual’s control. It is a representation of the internal locus of control, which is the belief that an individual’s actions and decisions determine their outcomes. In contrast, the circle of influence includes things that an individual can influence, but not necessarily control. These things include the actions and decisions of others, natural disasters, and world events. The circle of influence is a representation of the external locus of control, which is the belief that external factors determine an individual’s outcomes.
How does the circle of influence an control affect anxiety?
Anxiety is affected by the circle of influence and control because individuals who have a limited circle of control tend to feel more anxious. When an individual believes that external factors are responsible for their outcomes, they may feel helpless and out of control. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. In contrast, individuals who focus on their circle of control tend to feel more empowered and in control of their lives. This can lead to lower levels of anxiety and stress.
How can you elmininate worry using the Circles of Influence framework?
To eliminate worry using the Circles of Influence framework, it is important to focus on the things within your circle of control. Identify the things that you can control and take action to address them. For the things within your circle of influence, focus on influencing them in a positive way rather than worrying about them.
What is an example of circle of influence and control?
An example of the circle of influence and control is a job interview. An individual can control their preparation for the interview, their appearance, and their responses to interview questions. These things are within their circle of control. However, they cannot control the interviewer’s opinion of them or the outcome of the interview. These things are within their circle of influence but not their circle of control.
What happens when you focus on your circle of influence?
Focusing on your circle of influence can help you feel more in control of your life. By focusing on the things you can influence, you can take action and make positive changes. This can lead to a sense of empowerment and confidence.
How can the Circle of Influence framework help me feel more in control?
The Circle of Influence framework can help individuals feel more in control by shifting their focus from external factors to internal factors. By focusing on what they can control, individuals can take action and make positive changes in their lives. This can lead to a sense of empowerment and confidence.
How can the Circle of Influence framework help my product team?
The Circle of Influence framework can be a valuable tool for your team in that it can help your team prioritize tasks and initiatives by focusing on those areas where they have the most influence. By identifying the tasks and projects that fall within their circle of influence, team members can concentrate their efforts on those areas where they can make the biggest impact. This can lead to more effective and efficient use of resources and a greater likelihood of success for your product.
Possibly it can help you build momentum and achieve small wins, which can then be used to build momentum for larger initiatives. By focusing on the areas where they have the most influence, team members can make progress and demonstrate their effectiveness. This can help build confidence and momentum, which can then be used to tackle larger, more complex initiatives.
By identifying the areas where they have the most influence, team members can avoid getting sidetracked by tasks or projects that fall outside of their circle of influence. This can help your team stay on track and achieve their goals more efficiently. Overall, the Circle of Influence framework can be a valuable tool for your product team in helping them prioritize, build momentum, and stay focused.
Discussion
The idea behind Circles of Influence is that individuals have three circles: the Circle of Control, the Circle of Influence, and the Circle of Concern. The Circle of Control includes things that individuals have complete control over, such as their thoughts, actions, and behaviors. The Circle of Concern includes things that individuals are concerned about but have no control over, such as the weather or global politics. The Circle of Influence includes things that individuals can influence but do not have complete control over, such as their relationships, work environment, and health.
Covey argues that individuals should focus their energy on their Circle of Influence rather than their Circle of Concern. By doing so, individuals can expand their Circle of Influence and increase their ability to affect change in their lives. This can lead to greater success, happiness, and fulfillment.
To expand their Circle of Influence, individuals can take actions such as building strong relationships, developing new skills, and seeking out opportunities for growth. By doing so, they can increase their ability to influence the world around them and achieve their goals.
Examples
Nike
Nike has partnered with athletes, celebrities, and influencers to create a buzz around its products. By leveraging the influence of these individuals, Nike has been able to reach a wider audience and increase its sales.
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How do these circles impact my decisions and actions?
Hint Your circles of influence can shape your beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and can impact the decisions you make. -
Who are the people within my circles of influence?
Hint The people within your circles of influence may vary depending on the specific circle, but could include parents, siblings, colleagues, mentors, and social media connections. -
How do I prioritize and manage my circles of influence?
Hint Prioritizing and managing your circles of influence may involve setting boundaries, being intentional about who you spend time with, and seeking out new connections. -
What are the values and beliefs shared within each circle of influence?
Hint Each circle of influence may have its own set of values and beliefs, which can influence your own beliefs and behaviors. -
How do I navigate conflicts between different circles of influence?
Hint Navigating conflicts between different circles of influence may require open communication, compromise, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. -
How can I expand and diversify my circles of influence?
Hint Expanding and diversifying your circles of influence can involve seeking out new experiences, joining groups or organizations, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. -
What role do I play in the circles of influence of others?
Hint You may play different roles in the circles of influence of others, such as a friend, mentor, or colleague. -
How can I use my circles of influence to create positive change?
Hint You can use your circles of influence to create positive change by sharing information, advocating for causes you believe in, and supporting others in their efforts. -
How do my circles of influence intersect with my personal and professional goals?
Hint Your circles of influence may intersect with your personal and professional goals in various ways, such as providing support, networking opportunities, or resources to help you achieve your goals. -
How do my circles of influence intersect with my personal and professional goals?
Hint Your circles of influence may intersect with your personal and professional goals in various ways, such as providing support, networking opportunities, or resources to help you achieve your goals. - Where are you currently spending the majority of your focus & time? In the circle of concern or influence?
You might also be interested in reading up on:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (1989)
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (1936)
- Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant (2013)
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