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Writer's pictureHarsha Sathyanarayana

Mastering the Circle of Control, Influence, and Concern in Product Development

Product development is a complex and challenging process. There are many factors that can affect the success or failure of a product, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there is a tool that can help product developers focus their energy and efforts on the things that they can control and influence: the circles of control, influence, and concern.

The circles of control, influence, and concern are a model that helps us to understand where we can and cannot exert control in our lives. The model was popularized by Stephen Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The three circles are:


  • Circle of Control: This is the area of our lives where we have complete or almost complete control. It includes our thoughts, our emotions, our actions, and our choices.

  • Circle of Influence: This is the area of our lives where we have some influence, but not complete control. It includes our relationships, our environment, and our circumstances.

  • Circle of Concern: This is the area of our lives where we have no control. It includes things like the weather, the actions of others, and the past.


The goal of the circles of control, influence, and concern is to help us focus our energy on the things we can control and influence, and to let go of the things we cannot control. This can help us to reduce stress, increase our sense of control, and live more effectively.


How can the circles of control, influence, and concern be used in product development?

The circles of control, influence, and concern can be used by product developers to focus their energy on the things that they can control and influence. For example, product developers can control the quality of their work, the timeliness of their deliverables, and the way they communicate with each other. They can also influence the product requirements, the budget, and the timeline for the project. They can also influence the way the product is marketed and sold.


However, there are also many things that product developers cannot control, such as the weather, the actions of competitors, or the way customers react to the product. It is important for product developers to let go of the things that they cannot control and focus on the things that they can control and influence.


How can the circles of control, influence, and concern help product developers reduce stress and increase their sense of control?


The circles of control, influence, and concern can help product developers reduce stress and increase their sense of control by helping them to focus their energy on the things that they can control. When product developers focus on the things that they can control, they feel more empowered and in control of their work. This can help them to reduce stress and increase their sense of satisfaction.


How can the circles of control, influence, and concern help product developers deliver a successful product?


By understanding the circles of control, influence, and concern, product developers can focus their energy on the things that they can control and influence. This can help them to deliver a successful product by ensuring that the product meets the requirements, is delivered on time, and is within budget.


In conclusion, the circles of control, influence, and concern are a valuable tool for product developers. By understanding the model, product developers can focus their energy on the things that they can control and influence, and they can let go of the things that they cannot control. This can help them to reduce stress, increase their sense of control, and deliver a successful product.


Are you a product developer who is looking for ways to reduce stress and increase your sense of control? If so, I encourage you to learn more about the circles of control, influence, and concern. This model can be a valuable tool for helping you to focus your energy on the things that you can control and influence, and it can help you to deliver a successful product.

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