Are you working in your zone of genius?

If not, why not?

Have you ever heard of the phrase working in your zone of genius?

Now this is something discussed by Gay Hendricks in his book the Big Leap. You can purchase from my amazon shop.

But I also discuss this with my clients and I always cover on my VIP Strategy Days.

One of the big differences between running a business and being employed is you get to decide what you do. When you start yes you will be doing everything to grow and scale. But there comes a time when you get to choose where is it you want to spend your time? In essence there are 4 main zone we talk about which are:

1. Zone of genius
2. Zone of excellence
3. Zone of competence
4. Zone of incompetence

Gay Hendricks identified four different zones of function in his book, The Big Leap.

Zone of genius

• This is where you are at your best. Its tasks that come naturally to you, this is the zone you should be spending the most time in in order to scale.

Zone of excellence

• In this zone you are completing tasks you excel at. But it can be easy to stay in this zone.

Zone of competence

• Tasks that you are good at but perhaps recognise scaling your business won’t be easy if you continue to do these tasks. Often these are tasks that can be outsourced or automated.

Zone of incompetence

• You do not understand this level and you inherently do not enjoy tasks in this sector. Put simply these tasks bore you endlessly!

Most successful people are operating in their zone of excellence, in which they are doing things at which they are highly skilled. This zone is ultimately unsatisfying, though, because it does not engage the innate genius of the individual.

Gay Hendricks

Your zone of genius is not just what you’re “passionate” about, something you recognise you are naturally gifted at. Lets look at this from the creative industry; in your zone of genius you are probably creating, thinking up new ideas. This is what brings you joy.

But perhaps you are stuck in zone of excellence, thinking about the aesthetics of your website and social media so still being creative but not in the area that brings more money and growth.

Remember your zone of genius is unique to you, its your super power and no-one can copy that. Whereas they can replicate the pretty aesthetics you use.

So how can you work out where your talents lay?

Ask yourself…

What aspects of my life and job do I love doing? To begin with this might be hard but keep digging deeper. What tasks do I avoid or detest doing? Start allocating them to a zone.

Work with me: explore my services HERE or book a call

p.s if you do purchase anything from my amazon shop I may earn a small commission.

Further reading

What are you doing today for your future?

Set goals so big they scare you

90 Days Business Planning