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Course 2, Discussion 4: The problem is the path

User Profile: FrenchToast
FrenchToast December 5th, 2022

Hello LDP Team!

The problem is the path is the core insight that helps us evolve as individuals and as a community here on 7 Cups.

Here is an overview of this course:

Course Description: It is natural for us to want to avoid problems. Problems can cause worry, anxiety, and frustration. These are feelings that we often want to avoid. Problems, however, are the key to growth. When we face our problems directly we get smarter and grow stronger. A saying that captures this is: Progress = Pain + Reflection. This course helps you learn the value of problems by highlighting the difference between problems you might be concerned about and problems you can directly solve. Next, it walks you through the ancient practice of steering into problems directly in order to unlock their value and gifts. Finally, it helps you identify and measure progress so you can make continued gains in your personal and professional life.

✒️ 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.

Watch the video here

✒️ 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?

Watch the second video here

Further Reading (Optional but recommended):

This idea of problem is the path is a reoccurring theme in self help books and especially stoicism. If you are interested in learning more about this thought process, we recommend the following books:

The obstacle is the way by Ryan Holiday

A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, by William Braxton Irvine

✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here!


🔉This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program, find information on it here tinyurl.com/AcademyLDP

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User Profile: Abdul010
Abdul010 January 17th

@FrenchToast

✒️ Circle of Concern, Circle of Influence, and Reminder:

  1. Circle of Concern:

    • Global economic conditions
    • Negative comments from others
    • Work deadlines outside my control
  2. Circle of Influence:

    • My work ethic and preparation
    • How I communicate with my team
    • How I manage stress and time
  3. Reminder:

    • Place a sticky note on my desk with the phrase, “Focus on what you can control,” as a daily prompt to prioritize the circle of influence.

✒️ Highlights from the Executive Video:

  1. The executive demonstrated proactive behavior by staying calm under pressure and taking decisive steps to address the issue at hand rather than reacting emotionally.
  2. They focused on actionable solutions and leveraged available resources to mitigate the challenge effectively.
  3. Their approach to seeking collaboration and maintaining a clear, composed mindset was exemplary, showing the value of proactive problem-solving.

User Profile: H4RIS
H4RIS January 18th

@FrenchToast

(1)

  • Circle of Concern: External factors beyond my control, fear of failure, and overthinking hypothetical scenarios.  
  • Circle of Influence: Fostering self-love, leveraging unique strengths, and building resilience.  
  • I make it a daily practice to reflect on my progress and express gratitude for the journey so far.

(2)

  • Rather than complaining about the situation, he focused on leveraging both strengths and weaknesses effectively. He refrained from imposing his will on others, which helped build trust in his leadership and decisions.

1 reply
User Profile: InsightfulPhoenix
InsightfulPhoenix January 28th

@H4RIS

That is also true, there was a balance which reminded me of the affiliative leadership style. Good catch!

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User Profile: InsightfulPhoenix
InsightfulPhoenix January 28th

✒️ 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 concerns would be: 
How they approach me 
What they relay to others 
What tone they come to me with 
3 influences would be: 
My tone when approached 
My receptiveness I give others 
My reactions to changes 
1 reminder: 
I would say to myself " I am in charge of my energy, receptiveness and reactions. No one should ever hold that power over me." 

✒️ 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?

i would say that the executive has a dictator mentality which is why it was easy for him to alien the individuals. I noticed that the alienated individuals kept their cool, and self respect. The individual also empathized, kept his reaction silent but also heard what the others had to say after. Which is a big way of saying "cause and effect".  I feel that the person who was quiet on the movements, did an excellent job displaying affiliative leadership with fair democratic view.

1 reply
User Profile: lovelyBlossom5344
lovelyBlossom5344 February 7th

@InsightfulPhoenix

Some great points :) 

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User Profile: HarveyOfficially
HarveyOfficially February 3rd

@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.

**1. Circle of Concern**  

- Individuals with a closed mindset  

- Unrealistic timelines  

- Management of personal time  


**2. Circle of Influence**  

- An understanding of what elements are within my control and those that are not  

- The manner in which I communicate with others  

- Recognizing the appropriate moments to take breaks  


**3. Reminder**  

- It is essential to prioritize self-care.



✒️ 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?

They concentrated their efforts on factors within their control rather than those outside of it, which consequently led to an expansion of their circle of influence.

1 reply
User Profile: Dash0
Dash0 February 14th

Hi @HarveyOfficially !

Great insights! Balancing expectations and warmth are essential for fostering trust and motivation.

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User Profile: lovelyBlossom5344
lovelyBlossom5344 February 7th

@FrenchToast

My Circle of Concern:

  • What others say about me to others.
  • The way people communicate with me.
  • The overall atmosphere and morale of the team.

My Circle of Influence:

  • The level of dedication and effort I bring to my team.
  • Choosing to forgive and move forward.
  • The language and tone I use when speaking with others.

One way to stay focused on my circle of influence is to remind myself that by investing in what I can control, my influence will naturally expand, reducing unnecessary worries. Prioritizing respect, active listening, and fostering a positive team environment will lead to better outcomes for everyone.

User Profile: Dash0
Dash0 February 14th

✒️ 3 things in your circle of concern:

1) The overall state of the economy.

2) Changes in company policies.

3) Colleagues' personal issues.


✒️ 3 things in your circle of influence:

1) How you manage your time and tasks.

2) Your communication with team members.

3) Your ability to offer constructive feedback.


✒️ 1 thing you can do to remind yourself to focus on your circle of influence.

Regularly reflect on what actions and decisions you can directly impact and make a habit of setting daily goals that align with your circle of influence.


✒️ 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 demonstrated proactive behavior by:

- Anticipating and empathizing with the president's needs.

- Compensating for the president's weaknesses and leveraging his strengths.

- Presenting information and recommendations proactively to facilitate decision-making.

These proactive actions helped the executive expand his circle of influence and become an integral part of the organization.