Course 2, Discussion 4: The problem is the path

@FrenchToast influence: how i connect with my team, do i care for them, am i doing enough for the benefit of the team

To remind myself: do i see my self as the good leader i want to be?

@FrenchToast

@FrenchToast
Circle of concerns: public speaking, outcomes, how others perceive me
Circle of influence: friends, my career, volunteering work
For me to focus on influence better, is to understand myself better and give everything their true value not how they seem in my anxious mind and balance.

to be proactive is to take charge by having a plan, a guide and preventive measures

@FrenchToast

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

3 Things in Circle of Concern 

1. The moods of people I'm working with 

2. The behavior/words of the teammates 

3. How they perceive my actions/behavior 

3 Things in Circle of Influence 

1. My behavior/response/actions about a problem

2. My feedback and ability to receive constructive criticism

3. My empathy and accountability 

A great lesson from this video was, If you want to stay cordial with the people who you are present with, stay loyal to the people who are absent. 

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

The executive was proactive. He took responsibility for the situation faced instead of being a part of gossips or becoming a problem propagator. He positively contributed to the betterment of the office atmosphere by striking a balance between the executive team and the dictatorial boss. He also avoided any judgements but instead held empathy and understanding. I consider him to be an emotionally intelligent and value aligned person for whom, loyalty, accountability, participation and integrity mattered. 

Thankyou very much for this amazing post! It was a great eye opener for me today!

@FrenchToast

Identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Circle of concern

1. Global health issues

2. Poverty

3. Others feelings

Circle of influence 

1. My time management 

2.My actions and thoughts 

3. My productivity 

Making a to do list

✒️ Next, watch the following video and highlight what stands out to you about this executive? What did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive?

His calmness in handling stood out. He took out the time to think of what can he make out the situation. Focusing on what he can control made him proactive. He didn't think of what obstructed him but rather what can he change in his situation to make it better.

@FrenchToast

✒️ Watch the video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 in your circle of influence, and 1 reminder to focus on influence:

Circle of Concern:

• What people say about me behind my back

• The way others speak to me

• The overall mood or vibe of the team

Circle of Influence:

• The effort I put into helping or supporting the team

• Choosing to forgive or not hold grudges

• How I speak to others — my tone, my choice of words

Reminder:
To keep myself focused on what I can control, I just try to remember that the more I focus on my circle of influence, the more it grows — and the things I’m worried about start to matter less. If I stay consistent in making sure people feel heard, respected, and valued, it naturally makes the environment better for everyone.

✒️ What stood out to you about the executive in the second video? What did they do that was proactive (not reactive)?

What stood out was how focused they were on taking action instead of just reacting to problems. They leaned into what they could do — building strong relationships and playing to people’s strengths instead of just waiting around for change. That’s what being proactive looks like: working on the parts you can actually influence and lifting the team by doing so.

First video notes

• Circle of concern vs
• Circle of influence (concerns you actually have influence over)
• If you focus on 1 you self-victimize.
• If you work on the inner circle, it will get larger. 
  • focus on outer circle = reactive
  • focus on inner circle = proactive 

3 things in my circle of concern:

1. how others perceive me
2. how others act
3. the state of my relationships 

3 things in my circle of influence:

1. how i perceive and speak to myself (can improve myself and also be/ speak kindly)
2. how i behave + how i respond to the behavior of others
3. the effort, presence + values I bring to my relationships (how I reach out, set boundaries, show up...)

One thing I can do to remind myself to focus on my circle of influence: have these notes displayed nicely somewhere and any time I'm feeling down/ overwhelmed I can map out what my circle of concern vs influence is to be proactive and manage my own feelings and actions

Second video - what stands out/ what did they do that would be considered proactive as opposed to reactive: anticipated so had more time, took initiative. He didn't partake in the triangulation/ criticism, he went out to food with the team and listened to others (built connections and learned rather than giving his opinion). used the knowledge he gained to be more proactive and work with the president so he didn't feel threatened rather than against him (which might be justified if you consider the resentment the team probably built up towards him). 

Dear @FrenchToast,

✒️ Watch the following video and identify 3 things in your circle of concern, 3 things in your circle of influence, and 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence. 

@FrenchToast

The circle of concern

climate shift.
increasing rates of mental instability.

increasing numbers of street children and homeless people.
Influence circle

planting trees with my friends and neighbors.
listening to those who suffer from mental instability in seven cups.
giving food or a coin to street children and the homeless.
Remember to pay attention to your circle of influence.

One phrase that comes to mind is "Worrying about my circle of concern without acting on my circle of influence does not make a change."



The executive focused on the president's and colleagues' strengths. His sphere of influence expanded as a result. Because he focused on the circle of influence rather than the circle of concern, he was proactive.

Circle of concerns: problems and tasks to solve, what people think of me, and people's behavior towards me.

Circle of influence: positive feedback, empathy, love towards others.

Reminder: always watch what I say or do to others.

Being proactive means always being opportunistic towards growth or progress, long-term vision, innovation, and preparedness.

Being reactive means being good in handling tough issues, but lacking foresight. Leadership-oriented but always creating less motivation and less confidence from members.