A kaupapa-aligned invitation to focus energy, extend influence, and embrace peace in what you cannot change.
We live in an abundant world of concerns. The economy, climate change, other people’s choices, the past, the future — they all pull at our attention. But not every concern is a call to action. Some are a call to alignment. The model of the circles of control, influence and concern — popularised in Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — offers a useful reframing of where our energy is well-spent.
Three Circles to Hold
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Circle of Control — the innermost domain: what you directly manage, your choices, your responses, your attitude.
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Circle of Influence — the middle ring: what you cannot control directly but can shape through relationship, voice, action.
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Circle of Concern — the outermost extent: what you care about, but cannot reliably influence or control.
When we try to act on what belongs only in the Circle of Concern, we drain our energy, erode our trust in ourselves and others, and shrink our capacity to act. Conversely, when we focus on what we can control and progressively expand our influence, our presence, trust and impact grow.
Why This Matters for Leadership and Kaupapa
In a kaupapa Māori context, this model aligns well with tikanga (how we act) and kawa (what we uphold). We are called not only to do, but to align.
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Control reflects our responsibility to self-management and relational integrity.
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Influence aligns with our role in whanaungatanga, contribution, and generative action.
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Concern invites surrender, acceptance and the cultivation of peace when action is not possible.
Shifting from a reactive posture (“why isn’t this within my circle?”) to a proactive posture (“how will I act within my circle?”) is transformational. It moves us from anxiety to agency, from distraction to strategic presence.
Kaupapa-Aligned Application
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Start with your Control: What values, attitudes, responses are purely yours to hold? Strengthen your inner domain.
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Then move into Influence: Where can your relationships, voice, connection expand your reach? How might you weave others’ wellbeing into your action?
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Finally, release Concern: What sits in your outer circle that you cannot change? Accepting this is not resignation, but clarity — freeing you from wasted energy.
Closing Reflection
Imagine your leadership as circles drawn in sand: You stand at the centre. When you measure your reach into your circles with intention, you become more than busy — you become aligned.
Leadership is not about covering all the ground — it is about knowing where to stand, where to stretch, and when to let go.
In that rhythm of doing, influencing, and accepting, you build a presence that is steady, generous and transformative.
Reflection for Leaders
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What is one concern I carry that belongs in my Circle of Concern and is draining my energy?
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What is one small act I can take today within my Circle of Control that honours my values and strengthens my integrity?
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Who can I invite into my Circle of Influence to co-create something meaningful together?
Further Exploration
To deepen your reflection on influence, alignment, and the art of letting be:
What are The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People? — FranklinCovey
Image credit: Tahere, K. (2025). Used with permission.
Author: Megan Tahere. (2025).