Tri-Sphere of Influence
The
Tri-Sphere
of
Influence
represents
a
network
of
people
comprising
the
private,
professional,
and
public
realms
in which
we live
and
serve.
A
"sphere
of
influence"
(SOI)
consists
of a
network
of
people
or an
area
over
which we
have
influence
in a
particular
manner.
Tri-Sphere
of
Influence
is a
model
that
anyone
can use
to
develop
a unique
set of
categories
under
which to
organize
relationships
concerning
the
people
that we
influence
and that
influence
us.
The Tri-Sphere
of
Influence
model
permits
the user
to apply
thinking
that is
categorical
in
nature,
enabling
the user
to
better
understand
how
people
that we
encounter
play
many
different
roles in
our
lives
over
whom we
are able
to
benefit
and
benefit
from
knowing.
Figure 1
depicts
the
Tri-Sphere
of
Influence
model.
Users of
the
model
might
plug in
a
different
set of
influencers
in each
sphere
in order
to
obtain
the
benefit
of this
concept
that
there
are
three
realms
in which
to
categorize
thinking.
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Figure 1. Tri-Sphere of Influence |
The Venn Diagram of this model reveals the manner in which we can understand the roles others play in our lives and from where we can draw support. We know that we have people all around that we consider one ball of people when in fact there are three spheres of influence to consider, each with its own unique players. We have a different set of rules and ways of being with each of these individuals in each of these "human realms." We take on a different personality when dealing with a sibling than we have with a boss for instance.
In the Venn Diagram approach we are keenly aware that there is overlap among the players in our lives. Within these overlapping relationships we maintain what are known as a "multiple relationship." In this arena, there can be complications, but these can be overcome with the consistent mantra to "do no harm."
The sphere of influence is an astrodynamics term, but it is often used in the business world to mean a group over which we have influence. It also connotes influence is wielded by one nation. Using the business application only expanding into not only the professional arena, but into the private and public sectors as well is one means to understand the extent to our Tri-Sphere
of Influence.
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Tri-Sphere of Influence brings the players together in a array of activities and relationships.
Tri-Sphere of influence allows us to leverage the credibility of our contacts and ultimately developing more leads
and
garnering
a wider
support
system.
In
our
Tri-Sphere
of
Influence
we
also have internal, external,
and
eternal
supporters. |
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In
our private realm we tend to have eternal spheres of
influence. These are our friends and family who
would likely support us eternally.
In
the professional realm, internal spheres might be
superiors, peers, subordinates, and team members.
External spheres might be a customer base or
suppliers,
vendors, partners, and consultants.
In corporate terms, the sphere of
influence of an organization reveals its power and
influence in the decisions of other organizations.
In our public realm we might join a fellowship and meet people who become customers.
In our private realm we might have a relative who is
also family attorney. There might even be someone in
our sphere of influences who is a friend who is also
our peer and a classmate. This individual is a
tri-member of our Tri-Sphere of Influence. Figure 1
depicts the manner in which our spheres of influence
overlap in this manner. This is also known as
"boundary crossing," which is perfectly healthy and
often mandatory in certain circles, such as on
college campuses.
Boundary crossings are often part of
well-constructed relationships that can increase
effectiveness between the parties (Lazarus & Zur,
2002).
The Journey
|
One way that I learned about the sphere
of influence was through my
participation in the Real Estate Success
Series training program as offered by
National
Association of Realtors (1980). The
materials were developed by the Realtors
National Marketing Institute of the National
Association of Realtors.
Figure 2 depicts a page from my training
manual on the topic of the Sphere of
Influence.
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Figure
2. Sphere of Influence in Real Estate |
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Another way I learned about the sphere of
influence was through my career development
studies offered at DBM in 1996.
DBM offers career
information and resources. Participants in the
career development program that I attended were
asked to keep a Sphere
of Influence Database, which is a listing of
highlighted information about your personal network
of contacts.
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Establishing a sphere of influence helps you discover where you will be heard and have the most influence.
As you make
contact
with
people
or
organizations
in your
sphere
of
influence,
record
the
actions
and
results.
Also
record
what
leads
stem
from the
contacts.
This
process
is also
used in "networking."
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A source
for
understanding
the
complications
associated
with the
sphere
of
influence
in its
ever
present
condition
of
boundary
crossing
is a
course I
took
through
Zur
Institute
in 2005
on the
topic of
dual
relationships.
I also
took the
course
on
ethics,
law, and
care at
Zur
Institute.
These
are APA
(American
Psychological
Association)
sponsored
courses.
When
conducting
research,
consider
the
valuable
input
from
your
sphere
of
influence.
I used
this
approach
in my
dissertation
when
seeking
participants.
"These
individuals
were
solicited
based on
recommendations
from the
researcher’s
sphere
of
influence
(networking
group of
individuals
who
provide
support
and
connections)"
(Bender,
2000. p.
114).
Sources
Bender, S. L. (2000). Seven Characteristics of the
American Woman Entrepreneur: A Hermeneutic Approach
to Developing a Universal Characteristics Model. [UMI
AAT998805]
Lazarus,
A. A. &
Zur, O.
(2002).
Dual
Relationships
and
Psychotherapy.
New
York:
Springer.
Image:
Markkostabi
