As I sat down to write a recent newsletter, I had originally planned to introduce some new services. However, I felt compelled instead to refocus on a topic that has been on my mind recently.

Like many of you, I haven’t been feeling very grounded in the last few weeks. In fact, I’ve felt downright overwhelmed and anxious. I reminded myself that I needed to do something that has always helped me feel centered.

I pulled out my journal and started to write—freewriting has always helped me focus and find direction. This time, I realized I needed something more. So, I pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and drew three circles.

Read my post about how I used the Circles of Concern, Influence and Control tool to help myself stay grounded in this very uncertain world.

Here are 5 more ways to use the circles in everyday conversations.

The Circles of Concern, Influence and Control isn’t just a personal reflection tool—it’s a game-changer for teams, leaders, and organizations. Here are some practical ways to put it to work.

1. In Team Meetings: Cutting Through the Noise

Let’s say your team is stuck in a frustrating discussion—maybe about something they can’t change, like an organization-wide funding cut or a policy shift.

Try this:

• Ask everyone to list what’s stressing them out.
• Sort the items on the list into the three Circles.
• Refocus the conversation on Influence. What small steps could the team take to create a more positive outcome?

This shift can turn frustration into problem-solving in just a few minutes.

2. In Tough Conversations: Easing Conflict & Tension

Ever been in a conversation where two people just keep talking past each other?

Instead of debating, use the Circles to shift the focus:

• What’s outside of both of your control?
• What can you influence together?

Helping people see where they have common ground can defuse tension and lead to a more productive conversation.

3. For Leaders & Managers: Helping Teams Stay Focused

If you lead a team (or coach leaders who do), you know how easy it is for people to fixate on what’s wrong instead of what’s possible.

Encourage them to ask:

• “Where are we spending our energy?”
• “Are we stuck in the Circle of Concern, or are we taking action in the Circle of Influence?”

This simple shift can help teams stay proactive and solution-oriented, especially during change or uncertainty.

4. For Strategic Planning: Keeping Organizations on Track

Nonprofits and mission-driven teams often juggle big, complex problems—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Using the Circle of Influence, teams can:

• Map out external concerns (funding shifts, political changes, global trends) that you can’t control but should stay aware of.
• Identify what they can influence (building new partnerships, shifting internal strategies).
• Create an action plan focused on where they actually have power.

This keeps the team aligned and focused on making an impact, rather than getting stuck on things they can’t change.

5. For Your Own Sanity: Managing Overwhelm & Burnout

Sometimes, the Circle of Influence isn’t just for teams, it’s for you.

When everything feels like too much, take a step back:

• What’s weighing on you that’s out of your control?
• What’s something small you can influence today?
• What’s something even smaller that you can control directly?

Even shifting focus to one tiny action in your Circle of Influence can help you feel more in control.

What About You?

What do you do to feel grounded when the world feels overwhelming? We’d love to hear—drop a comment below.

About The Author, Linda Howard CMC®, PMP, CVF

Linda Howard, Howard Consulting, LinkedIn/in/lindahoward/, is a Certified Management Consultant, Culture Designer and Meeting Facilitator. She helps purpose-driven leaders and teams who are ready to harness the resilience and strengths of their teams to make more lasting and meaningful impacts. She makes teamwork easy so her clients can boost their impact on what truly matters. After living in various cities, Linda moved back to the country – a farming community in Maryland, where she spends time wandering in the woods, kayaking on a quiet lake, or searching for a peaceful spot to enjoy the next sunset.