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The Wrong Way to Handle Unexpected Leadership Challenges

AdVance Leadership » The Wrong Way to Handle Unexpected Leadership Challenges

Welcome to Friday 411, issue #097. In 4 minutes, with 1 insight and 1 action, you’ll take control of your unexpected leadership challenges.  

1 Insight 

When facing a challenge, asking “what are we going to do” is the wrong question to start with.  

There is one guarantee in leadership: unexpected challenges will arise. 

When this happens, we often see leaders jump straight to one question: What are we going to do? 

It’s a natural response, but it’s the wrong starting point. Before we reveal the right starting point, here’s why starting with this question slows down problem-solving: 

  • What are we going to do often assumes that there is only one correct path forward. 
  • What are we going to do jumps immediately into forced action before identifying the possibilities. 
  • What are we going to do leads to getting hung up on all that can’t be done. 
  • What are we going to do evokes emotions of helplessness and hopelessness. 

 

The Right Place to Start 

Before you can change difficult circumstances, you need to understand what you can control and influence. Once you know those things, then choose what you’re going to do. 

To understand what you can control and influence, think of your life of having three layers of responsibility:

 

      1. The Sphere of Ownership

The Sphere of Ownership is your power center—where you have complete control and authority. This sphere, though often smaller than we’d like, is where transformative leadership begins. Every successful initiative starts with mastering what’s under your control. 

Your Sphere of Ownership includes: 

  • Your habits and behaviors 
  • Your responses and attitudes 
  • Your preparation and skill development 
  • Your time management and priorities 

 

 

     2. The Ring of Influence

The Ring of Influence represents areas where you can’t directly control outcomes but can impact them. 

For example, whenever we conduct leadership training, Dorothy and I remind ourselves that we cannot force leaders to improve. We have complete control over our preparation, energy, and word choice. But we can only influence whether the participants listen, learn, and, ultimately, grow. Their development depends on their own choices. 

This ring is where skilled leaders often make their greatest contributions. Through persuasion, example-setting, and strategic action, we can shape circumstances and influence decisions. 

Your Ring of Influence might include: 

  • Team morale and workplace culture, 
  • Adherence to processes and procedures, or 
  • Each team member’s commitment to priorities. 

While you can’t control outcomes, you  

(1) Can control your approach and effort in these areas and  

(2) Must take responsibility for them. 

 

 

       3. The Ring of Subordination

The Ring of Subordination encompasses everything outside our control. Many leaders waste valuable time and energy trying to control these uncontrollables. Understanding and accepting what lies in this ring is crucial for mental well-being and effective leadership. 

Examples of things in the Ring of Subordination include: 

  • Economic cycles and market fluctuations, 
  • Government policies, 
  • Natural disasters or weather, or 
  • Past events and decisions. 

Acknowledging these limitations isn’t defeatist—it’s realistic and empowering. It allows us to focus our energy where it matters most. 

As noted in The Slight Edge, “Taking responsibility liberates you. In fact, it is perhaps the single most liberating thing there is, even when it hurts, even when it doesn’t seem fair.” This liberation comes from focusing on what you can control rather than what you wish you could control. 

 

 

Putting It All Together  

Unexpected challenges will arise. When they do, start by asking What CAN we do? This simple shift in questioning: 

  • Forces you to assess what you realistically have the power to do. 
  • Prevents wasted emotional energy on things outside your control. 
  • Focuses your attention on actionable steps rather than wishful thinking. 

1 Action 

Draw the three rings on a sheet of paper. Think about a challenging experience you’re having right now. Identify what’s in your Sphere of Ownership, Ring of Influence, and Ring of Subordination.   

 

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