Why the Five Circles of Influence and Impact are Important
Since 2012 I have been deep in an inquiry that began with the question, “What is the real secret to achieving success?”. Although the inquiry is still going, and it is quite possible it may never end for me, I have concluded that success is not something we achieve, it is who we are, and achievement is something entirely different.
It has been my passion and purpose for many years now to unblur the distinctions of success and achievement. To unearth the language and structure to support both and to bring that framework to people in understandable and practical ways. We now call this the TribeUp framework, the structure, language,and distinctions for your tribe inside of five circles of influence and impact.
Throughout the inquiry it has become clear to me that success is a very personal journey, one that can really only be judged by ourselves, for ourselves, even though we seem to try to call it out in others. Additionally, I realized that achievement is almost the exact opposite. Not only can we measure and recognize it in others, but it will often incorporate and require the conscious organizing of effort and energy with others.
Often in the pursuit of achievement, we lack the foundations of successful ways of being, and the achievement comes at a high price to us and those around us. Tribal consciousness; the perspective, philosophy, principles, and practices of the TribeUp framework, gives us the awareness to achieve without damaging or losing what is most important to us along the way, including our highest and best self.
The balancing of successful ways of being and the commitment necessary for achievement requires wise stewardship and investment of time, money, and energy into the right people, places, and things. Most people have no way of recognizing, let alone managing, who the right people are. This is why the five circles of influence and impact are so vitally important. As you become aware of the distinctions and properties of each circle, you can choose who belongs where and what type of investment is needed to nurture the highest and best with them.
Too many people invest too much, too soon, in the wrong people. Choosing one thing often means we are simultaneously un-choosing something else. While we are investing too much in the wrong people, we are often neglecting and causing damage to the right ones. The five circles framework brings our attention, intention, and focus back to where it needs to be to live our best life now, achieve our highest aims, and make our greatest contribution to society.
This is a short segment on why the five circles are important. If you want to truly understand what they are, read more here. The more you know about them, the more efficient and effective you will be with your tribe. Tribe well!
