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Self-Engagement C313

Figure 10.1 The Personal Power Grid

mental questions of “What can I control?” and “What actions can I
take?”
The Personal Power Grid (Figure 10.1) is basically a tool for
diagnosing how constructively and effectively we are dealing with
the challenges we face. Whatever the issue may be, we either have
some control in addressing it or we have no control. Another choice
we have is to either try to take action to deal with the challenge
or take no action. Depending on our choices, we find ourselves in
one of the four situations indicated by the quadrants. There are two
healthy choices: Mastery (taking action on the things we can con-
trol) and Letting Go (not trying to control what we cannot con-
trol). The other two choices are problematic: trying to take action
on what we cannot control (Ceaseless Striving) is a recipe for frus-
tration, and not taking action on what we can control (Giving Up)
is abdication. These last two quadrants represent choices that al-
low the individual to stay in the realm of “victimhood,” where it
is easier to blame one’s circumstances, one’s employer, one’s man-
ager, or one’s coworkers rather than try to master the situation or let
it go.
What follows is an example of a dilemma faced by an employee
who feels frustrated about her career goals and must make a decision
about whether and how to constructively engage. As you can see, four
options have been identified: