by Catherine Tenger | January 7, 2025
For many people, January marks not only the beginning of a new year but also the start of a new job. The first impression at a new company is crucial, but equally important is the question: How do I establish myself in the long run, and what do I want to be known for?
A helpful method for consciously shaping your personal brand is the concept of the Circle of Influence. This framework helps you focus on what you can truly influence—thereby amplifying your personal impact.
The Circle of Influence in a nutshell
The Circle of Influence is a concept developed by Stephen Covey, which he describes in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
It consists of three circles:
- The outer circle: Circle of Concern
This includes things that occupy, worry, and affect us but that we cannot control—such as external circumstances, company policies, economic conditions, or the opinions of others. - The middle circle: Circle of Influence
This includes things we can indirectly influence through our actions—such as networking, building trust, communication, and perception. It covers how others experience their relationship with us and how we shape our reputation. - The innermost circle: Circle of Control
This was later added to the original model. It includes everything we can fully and directly control—our words, actions, decisions, and how we respond to situations. This is the area where we have full personal responsibility.
Starting a new job means finding your place and making a name for yourself. The key is to focus your energy only on the two inner circles—on what you can truly influence or control.
Maximizing the Circle of Control
Think about what you can directly control and prepare accordingly. For example:
- Your introduction to the team: How do you introduce yourself? What message do you want to convey?
- Your communication: How do you present yourself in meetings? What topics do you bring to discussions?
- Your presence: Clothing, body language, authenticity—all of these shape your professional image.
Expanding the Circle of Influence
Consider how you can shape others’ perceptions and expand your reach indirectly. In a corporate context, this includes:
- Building relationships: Proactively engage with colleagues, show interest, and demonstrate commitment. Stay friendly even under stress, especially toward those who work behind the scenes. Small acts of kindness have a lasting impact.
- Sharing knowledge: Contribute your expertise in meetings or informal conversations.
- Increasing visibility: Be present, active, and authentic—this will help you be seen as a reliable, competent professional.
Minimizing the Circle of Concern
Avoid wasting energy on things you cannot control—such as the organizational climate, political decisions, or the behavior of others. These fall into the Circle of Concern and should not consume your attention or energy.
Personal Branding Begins in the Circle of Control
Building your personal brand in a new company starts where you have full control—by deliberately shaping your reputation, presence, communication, and relationships.
Wishing you a great start and much success!