Learn to be present in your sphere of influence – Anonymous
Getting to Launch
Being present in your spheres of influence is critical to making a difference. Absence in our spheres lessens our currency of trust and, eventually, our effectiveness. Being present with our words, actions, decisions, and habits turns our spheres into places of engagement, service, and transformation.
Don’t underestimate the power of your presence and your ability to positively impact your areas of influence, no matter how small. This ability starts with how we use the toolkit of our words, actions, decisions, and habits. Our impact starts with asking, What words, decisions, actions, or habits are required of me? Keep in mind that spheres of influence are dynamic, not static. They evolve because people grow and change. Our words, decisions, actions, and habits must constantly be evaluated and adjusted. Tailoring what is required of us does not mean compromising our values or what we stand for; it means being aware or paying attention.
A launch sequence is initiated before a plane takes off or a space shuttle rockets into space. Similarly, initiate the what question before you apply words, actions, decisions, and habits to a situation within your sphere. The success of a space mission is tied to the launch sequence of activities that the team executes. Overlooking these steps can be detrimental to the mission. Asking the what question keeps us attuned to the current events in our spheres and gives us the best chance to be effective through our willingness to adapt and adopt new approaches.
Tailoring what is required of us does not mean compromising our values or what we stand for; it means being aware or paying attention.
Finding the Best Approach
All spheres are not created equal. My home sphere carries more worth than my work sphere. Self-awareness and other-awareness are vital to tailoring our words, decisions, actions, and habits to our spheres. My approach to a problem in my work sphere may not be the same in my home sphere. I may be able to solve the problem at work with a five-minute email, but at home, it may require listening and praying with my wife or getting down to the level of my daughters. I tailor my words, decisions, actions, and habits to the different approaches. This is why being present in your area of influence is essential. Your presence matters in finding the best approach. Sometimes, my approach is only apparent after collaborating with others. Asking others the what question will assist with making the right move. Don’t be too proud to say you don’t know or need help. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it shows that you are still willing to learn and grow.
This question gives you awareness of self and others and allows you to be reflective instead of reactive in your approach. I’ve found that when I ponder or mull over how to approach a situation, I come up with a better result than when I react. Many of my reactive moments have been centered on self-interest or preservation. Reactions are quicker, but they are not necessarily effective. A reactive approach can result in more harm than good. A reflective approach brings honesty, patience, vulnerability, humility, and self-analysis of your emotions to the table. This leads to clear thinking and helps with our words, actions, decisions, and habits. I second this observation by Richard Carlson, “Reflection is one of the most underused yet powerful tools for success.” Choose to be reflective instead of reactive.
Reactions are quicker, but they are not necessarily effective. A reactive approach can result in more harm than good.
Final Thought: We all have spheres of influence, and our approach to each may be different. The bottom line is becoming aware and asking what is required of us in each sphere at any given moment. You achieve this by self and other awareness, paying close attention to the current events in your spheres, and choosing a reflective rather than a reactive approach to what is happening in each area of influence. What words, actions, decisions, and habits are required of you now?
Keep on keeping on
Discover Your Treasure 