Chapter 24 – Circle of Influence

“The Genius Pattern = Thy will be done with my talents with my circles of influence with the opportunities that are laid out in front of me to bless the world.”
~ Robert G. Allen “Incredible change happens in you life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.”
~ Steve Maraboli

You should never have to ask to be a manager

Many that I’ve worked with or lead have at one time or another wanted more power in a company. They want to have greater authority to make decisions and more control. A typical discussion goes like this:

“I wish I could make bigger decisions here, I want to be promoted and manage people.”

“I see. How are the tasks from last week coming along?”

“I’m behind on them at the moment. Really wish I could do bigger work though, you know?”

“I do, but why don’t you start by doing an amazing job of your current tasks?”

“But they’re small, I want to do bigger things”

Etc.

You may already see the problem here. In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, Stephen R. Covey lays out a concept of the Circle of Influence:

It’s a concept that applies really well to designers. 

Namely, if you focus on what you can control and ensure that those things are done exceptionally, what you control will grow. When someone gives you a task you can pour your focus into it to ensure it’s done incredibly well. You can always finish your work on time and to the highest quality. You can control your attitude and outward disposition that will make you a beacon to those around you.

Consistently and reliably delivering on what has been entrusted to you will almost always result in more and greater being entrusted to you. Being timely, being courteous, being helpful, and delivering great work is in your control, and doing so will grant you more.

This can be an infuriating process. You’ll see terrible decisions that affect you being made. You may not want control over what you have control over (change the colour on these 50 PNGs), and you can feel that if you could only be the one making the decisions things would be so much better.

But the effort of those thoughts and grievances will get you nothing. Rather, turn it inwards and identify where you can be exceptional, and watch as your circle grows.

Identify and focus on your circle of influence.

What I’m Not Saying:

• Just be happy with the work you have
• Don’t recognize unjust allotment of work and promotion
• Just be happy, quiet, and do your work

What I am saying:

• Focus on what you have control over
• Pour your energy into exceptional delivery of whatever you touch
• Control your emotions and interactions to be a positive beacon
• Allow more influence to come as you become known for your delivery