What stories are you telling yourself—just by the words you choose?
For about six months, I had a visceral reaction to the phrase “Inner Circle.” It was the name of a community I was thinking of joining.
Maybe it was some leftover playground trauma or netball team politics flashbacks but straight away, it conjured up images of exclusivity, secrecy and being left out.
My inner dialogue went something like:
“If there’s an inner circle, then surely there’s an outer one too… right?”
But then came the reframe.
A skilled facilitator and fellow Inner Circle member, Repa Patel, shared a session that helped me see those two words in a completely different light drawing on Stephen Covey’s circle of influence and circle of concern.
Suddenly, it wasn’t about being left out at all.
It was about where I choose to stand.
The “inner circle” was centred on me.
My influence. My mindset. My strengths and the power and edge they bring.
The power to take action, to shape goals, to set direction—it was mine all along.
That tiny shift, from feeling excluded to standing empowered came down to how I interpreted two little words.
And I wonder for you…
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt excluded, but when you zoomed out, no one was actually trying to leave you out?
It’s not about blame. It’s about awareness.
Because sometimes what we feel and what someone intended aren’t the same.
One of the guiding principles of strengths-based work is Lead with positive intent.
When we assume people are doing their best and we approach with curiosity, not judgement then we step in and not out.
So if you’ve taken the CliftonStrengths assessment, maybe it’s time to ask:
How might I step into my circle, into my strengths with more purpose?
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If you lead with Harmony, maybe it’s choosing to speak up when the room needs calm clarity.
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If you have Self-Assurance, perhaps it’s owning your voice and helping others trust the path forward.
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With Futuristic, what if you shared the vision you see so clearly in your mind?
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And if Deliberative is in your top themes, consider the gift of naming the risks others don’t yet see.
Your talents and strengths are invitations to step in, speak up, and set things in motion.
I’m sharing this because it landed powerfully for me. And I’m curious…
What resonates for you here?
What words or beliefs might be worth reframing?
