Feeling Worried or Stuck? Locus of Control Holds the Key

Imagine two people who face the same challenge. One sees it as a hurdle they can overcome, a chance to learn and grow, while the other feels powerless and defeated before they begin. What makes the difference? The answer is Locus of Control, a hidden force that shapes success in both our personal and professional lives.??

Understanding Locus of Control can significantly impact how we approach challenges, make decisions, and navigate our working lives. In this article, we'll explore what Locus of Control entails, its relation to the Circle of Influence, and its practical implications in the workplace.??

What is Locus of Control???

First introduced by psychologist Julian B. Rotter in the 1950s, at its core, Locus of Control refers to the extent to which individuals attribute the outcomes of their lives to either internal or external factors.?

Imagine a spectrum. On one end, people believe they are in full control of their destiny (internal Locus of Control). On the other, they see themselves at the mercy of luck or external forces (external Locus of Control). Where people sit on this spectrum can have a significant impact.??

Individuals who sit towards the internal end of the spectrum are more proactive, resilient, and goal oriented. They are more likely to take ownership of their decisions and see failures as stepping stones, rather than roadblocks. Because of this, they are more open to constructive criticism and are more likely to actively seek out feedback, using it as a tool for self-improvement and growth.?

Towards the other end of the spectrum, externally driven individuals might feel powerless in the face of challenges or setbacks, making them more likely to avoid making decisions. They may believe that they have little control over their circumstances and that their efforts are unlikely to make a difference. This can impact their confidence, leading to decreased motivation and feelings of overwhelm. As a result, they may experience heightened levels of anxiety, frustration and hopelessness, or they may lack a sense of direction or purpose in their lives, leading to feelings of stagnation or dissatisfaction.?

It's important to note that Locus of Control exists on a continuum, and we may exhibit a mix of internal and external tendencies in different areas of our lives, in different situations or at different stages of our lives.?

Locus of Control and the Circle of Influence?

Stephen Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," introduced the concept of the Circle of Influence. This concept divides human concerns into two categories:??

1. Circle of Concern??
2. Circle of Influence?

• The Circle of Concern encompasses everything you care about or feel affected by, including external events and circumstances beyond your control, for example, economic conditions, market trends, government policies, or other people’s behaviour.?
• The Circle of Influence represents the aspects of our lives and circumstances that we have the power to change or influence directly through our actions, decisions, and behaviours. For example, while we can’t control how others feel or behave, we can influence the quality of our relationships through our communication, empathy, and efforts to build trust and mutual respect.?

The relationship between Locus of Control and the Circle of Influence is evident. Individuals with an internal Locus of Control are more likely to focus their attention and efforts within their Circle of Influence. They take proactive steps to address challenges and pursue their goals, knowing that their actions can make a difference. Conversely, those with an external Locus of Control may feel overwhelmed by their Circle of Concern, leading to feelings of powerlessness and inaction.?

So, how can we use this knowledge in a practical way??

Harnessing the Circle of Influence Tool to Empower Yourself?

Ideally, we want to increase our Circle of Influence as far as possible.?

Let’s imagine that you are concerned about the potential future impacts of artificial intelligence on your employability and future job security. Here’s how you could use the tool.?

Step 1: Identify What’s in Your Circle of Concern?

Start by identifying the aspects of AI and its potential impact on employability that are causing you concern.??

Step 2: Differentiate Between Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence?

Next, distinguish between factors that fall within your Circle of Concern (things you care about but cannot control) and those within your Circle of Influence (things you can directly influence or control).?

Here’s an example list you might have after completing step 2:?

Step 3: Focus on What You Can Control?

Now, consciously shift your attention and energy away from your Circle of Concern and towards the aspects of the situation that are within your Circle of Influence. What CAN you do to change or influence the situation??

For example, in this scenario you could:?

• Learn More About AI: Rather than relying on the news headlines (which are overly negative and often sensationalised), dig a little deeper. Make a conscious effort to find (real) experts and expose yourself to a wide range of ideas and different viewpoints.?
• Set Specific Goals and Action Plans: Set specific, measurable goals related to enhancing your employability in the context of AI. Break down these goals into actionable steps and create a timeline for achieving them.?
• Take Proactive Steps: Take daily steps towards achieving your goals by implementing your action plans. Regularly monitor your progress towards your goals and be prepared to adjust your approach as needed.??
• Learn New Skills: Focus on acquiring new skills or enhancing existing ones that are in demand in an AI-driven workplace.??
• Network and Build Relationships: Invest in building a strong professional network and fostering relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry experts.?
• Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning and staying updated on advancements in AI technology and its implications for various industries, so you can adapt to changes and remain competitive in the job market.?
• Cultivate Adaptability and Resilience: Develop a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.?

When you leverage your Circle of Influence you will feel more optimistic and empowered to drive positive change in your life, which will enhance your effectiveness, so you can achieve greater success and fulfilment in your work and life more generally.?

What external factors are currently causing you the most concern??

Identify a current challenge in your work or personal life. Where does it fall on your own Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence? Use the steps outlined in this post to shift your focus and take action within your control.?

Download our handy Circle of Influence worksheet!?

Empowering Your Team: Leveraging the Circle of Influence for Collective Growth?

As managers, we have a profound impact on our team's well-being and performance. By incorporating the Circle of Influence tool, we can unlock incredible potential for individual empowerment, collaboration, and growth within our teams.??

Here are three ways you can leverage the Circle of Influence with your team:?

1. Foster Individual Empowerment?

Individual Reflection Exercise: Facilitate a group discussion where team members individually identify a current challenge. Then, guide them through the Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence exercise [add link to worksheet], helping them recognise areas within their control and encouraging them to develop action plans. This empowers them to take ownership of their development and well-being.??

Once individuals identify their Circles of Influence, encourage them to leverage their unique strengths within those areas. This approach builds confidence, fosters engagement, and utilises individual talents for collective benefit.?

?2. Enhance Team Collaboration?

Shared Circle of Influence Mapping: Conduct a collaborative exercise where the team identifies shared concerns and collectively maps them onto a Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence diagram. This fosters collective ownership of challenges and encourages brainstorming solutions as a team, leveraging diverse perspectives and skillsets.?

Based on the identified shared Circle of Influence, guide the team to develop SMART goals they can achieve collectively. This promotes teamwork, accountability, and a sense of shared purpose, driving progress towards mutually desired outcomes.?

?3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset:?

Celebrate "Circle of Influence" Wins: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate individual and team accomplishments within their Circles of Influence. This reinforces the value of proactive effort and motivates sustained engagement with challenges.?

Encourage open discussions about setbacks and challenges encountered within the Circle of Influence. Frame these as opportunities for learning and adaptation, fostering a growth mindset that embraces challenges as stepping stones to improvement.?

Additional Tips:?

• Provide resources and support to help team members develop skills and knowledge relevant to their Circles of Influence.?
• Regularly revisit the Circle of Influence exercise to reflect on progress and adjust approaches as needed.?
• Remember, the goal is to empower individuals and teams, not create additional pressure or burden.?

By incorporating these strategies, managers can leverage the Circle of Influence tool to cultivate a more empowered, engaged, and resilient team environment, driving collective success and individual growth.?

How do YOU use the Circle of Influence with your team? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below and let's create a learning community for managers!?

Don't forget to download the Circle of Influence worksheet here.