Using the circle of control to consider challenges

This is an effective tool that you can use with individuals on a one-to-one basis and teams to consider the challenges they are facing and how they can respond to them.

• The circle of control helps teams and individuals identify the elements of challenge that they can control. Start by identifying the issues or aspects of the situation that people feel they can control and make a list of ways to do this. The list can then form an action plan that can be discussed with line managers.

• The circle of influence helps teams and individuals identify the elements of challenge that they cannot control but can influence. Make another list of these aspects of the situation. Remember that even when we cannot control our circumstances, we still may be able to influence them by being able to access help or advice.

• The circle of concern helps teams and individuals identify the aspects of challenge they can neither control nor influence, but that they are concerned about and need to adapt to.  Discuss how aspects of the challenge that cannot be controlled can be accepted or accommodated. We may not be able to change the situation, but we still have the power to change our response to it.

(Covey, 1989).