How to use Circles of Influence for Clarity

Circles of influence is a framework sometimes used in blended coaching to support looking at things from a different perspective. It is very useful as a tool combined with coaching techniques with direct reports, mentees or even yourself.

When to use it: when you notice someone is stuck on a topic which may be out of their control, are overwhelmed, focusing too much on what is out of their control or just don’t know what to do. This can be where there is a focus on the future or past, where there is either ruminating or worrying about a certain topic. This could be about getting results of some kind, how they behaved in a situation, catastrophizing a situation which have not happened yet (which they cannot know the outcome of). These often present as “I should have done” something (or not done), there is a focus on the past and you can’t change what happened, however you might be able to influence in the future e.g. people’s perception in the future. Future statements could be “what if” or “I am going to” e.g. miss my flight or get ill, often these topics are said when they cannot know these things to be true although they could be a possibility.

You may notice there is a lack of a constructive approach to the situation and a focus on what can’t be controlled or changed. However often in these situation working out what is important, what you can either control or influence is more constructive and recognizing what is out of control is helpful in accepting and focusing on what you can do. Working through these 3 areas helps bring clarity to the situation so the person can work out what to do and take action (accepting is also an action).

Below are potential questions to work through the circle (coaches will add a lot more questions and reflections based on what they are hearing), going back and forth between the 3 areas in a non-linear way is also fine:

1.       What is important about the situation to you?

2.       What is in your control?

3.       What could you influence?

4.       What is out of your control?

5.       Where do you think we are on this topic? (go back to any area which is not finished)

6.       What did you notice about this topic?

7.       What patterns or connections do you see?

8.       What did you learn about yourself by going through this?

Its a great exercise to use at different times and to go back to during a transition period.

Where do you want to get more clarity?