May 2010 Newsletter

Hi,

Join us this month as we explore what’s really within our control - both professionally and personally. We’ll explore how people’s beliefs of what they can and cannot control have a direct impact on their happiness and success.

The Locus of Control

 

                                                                                                    

So how did you get here?

What do you think has the most control over your future - luck and random events, or your own ability and effort? You may be tempted to say both - but there’s a good chance that if you sit down and think about it you will probably view one of the above as having a greater influence.

The two extremes of fate, as opposed to personal choice, represent the two ends of the Locus of Control, a psychological model that was developed by Julian Rotter in 1954.

This month we will be exploring how subtly differing views of the above can have dramatic ramifications for an individual’s professional as well as personal life.

What is the Locus of Control and why is it useful?

Understanding the locus of control is invaluable in understanding what motivates the people around you. It’s also an excellent tool in reassessing what aspects of your life you can really control and influence.

Internals
The Locus of Control seeks to explain how different people view their ability to control or influence their circumstances. Those who are near the internal end of the spectrum (internals) are more likely to believe that their circumstance is shaped by their own actions and that they can have a direct impact on issues that are important to them.

Externals
Whereas someone on the external end of the spectrum (externals) would say that things outside of their control have the most power. They would view things such as fate, luck and other people being the primary determiners of their circumstance. 

The diagram shows how the two different personality types view the things they care about. Internals see many more things as controllable, whereas the area of control that externals feel they possess is very small in relation to the issues that affect them


What’s better…an internal or external locus of control?

On the whole internals are more successful as they strongly believe in their skills and abilities. This is why people in more senior positions tend to be more internal. While extreme externals do not see themselves as having as much power over their future, and therefore take fewer steps to achieve the results that they want.

Although it sounds like being an internal is inherently good and being an external is counter-productive it is important not to be overly simplistic as there are advantages and disadvantages associated with both. 

Advantages and Disadvantages

Internals
Internals often tend to be more successful as they are achievement oriented, and this is frequently reflected in better paid jobs (Mamlin, Harris, & Case, 2001). The downside is that unless the internal orientation is matched by actual ability the person can become anxious and depressed as they will be unable to live up to their own ideas. Their achievement orientated nature can also be difficult for the people around them, because they can be results-driven to the detriment of those around them.

Externals
The positives associated with being an external may be fewer, but some argue that they are more likely to be relaxed and easy going, as they are content to let things happen. Conversely, the downside is that they tend to be less successful, and the feeling of not being in control leads to some externals feeling anxious, stressed and depressed (Neill, 2010). They may feel that they are powerless and victims of circumstance unable to affect their positions. 

A little bit of confidence goes a long way

Related to the Locus of Control is the idea of self-efficacy. It is possible for someone to believe that something is controllable, but not believe that you possess the ability to do it.

For example, you may believe that getting a new professional qualification will improve your employability, but may feel that you lack the skills to complete the qualification. If you feel that the qualification would be useful then poor self-efficacy/confidence has placed this outside your area of control.

A realistic view of what can be controlled coupled with the self-belief to follow through is an indomitable combination that often yields incredible results.

Where can I apply the locus of control?

In order to benefit you should reassess the things that you think are outside of your control, and by looking at them critically see which ones can be moved into your areas of influence and control.

The Locus of Control scale is not fixed, and many are able to separate their locus for successes and their locus for failures, being able to chalk more failures up to external influences allows you to avoid internalising them!

Balance is the key here, as long as this isn’t stretched into believing you can achieve unrealistic objectives. Getting feedback from experts on the feasibility of your objective may help you to assess whether you are being realistic in your objectives.
That’s not to say that experts can’t be wrong but it’s still important to be aware of the risks before commencing.


Control, Influence or Release?

The Locus of Control can be developed further in order to show areas you can control, areas you can influence, and areas outside of control.

For example you can probably control when you write a report, you can influence when others read it by highlighting its importance, but you cannot control a random technical glitch which may delay your distribution of the report.


Wrapping it up

Having an accurate idea of what you can control and influence, and not worrying about the areas outside of your control will improve your satisfaction and happiness in your personal and professional life.

Ultimately it comes down to awareness and balance. To conclude, the two key ways in which the Locus of Control can be used in day to day life are:

• Having a better understanding of your own capabilities. Once you have this you will either realise that you can control or influence certain areas - or that is beyond your control you should try and remove it from your concerns.

• The Locus of Control also helps you to better understand people’s motivations. By understanding where people are on the spectrum you can determine why some colleagues may be overly fatalistic whilst others believe they can do it all. When you know where people are operating from it becomes easier to coach them and set them up for success.

If you are interested in finding out how you:unlimited can help you expand your influence and enhance the performance of you staff give us a ring on 020 7407 0044 or mail edward@you-unltd.co.uk

top of page

Send to a friend

If you know someone else who would enjoy this communication please feel free to forward this or they can subscribe by clicking here.