Today, I want to share a tool that’s great when you’re taking the time to reflect on your strengths, where you’re focusing your time and energy and how you can feel more motivated and confident. It’s called the Zone of Genius. I first came across a version of it through human behaviour hacker Vanessa Van Edwards, Founder of the Science of People.
Evidence shows that people who are really focused on their Zone of Genius earn more money, get promoted quicker and are happier in their work – what’s not to like?!
Grab a piece of paper and pen (better than doing this on a screen) and draw a table with four columns. The left column is Zone of Genius, then working across – Zone of Excellence, Zone of Competence, Zone of Weakness. You can also think about it as A, B, C, D too. Remember school grades? Start thinking of all the activities you do professionally which would go under these different categories.
Zone of Genius – this is stuff you’re fantastic at, known for perhaps, things or tasks that get you in your flow, you’re great at these things and importantly you really enjoy them.
Zone of Excellence – this is stuff you’re pretty good at, not the best, you can get these things done easily but you’re perhaps not known for them. This column is different to A – because A is exceptional. This is not that.
Zone of Competence – average column, you might be a little bit embarrassed around these things/tasks but you can do them okay. The thought of doing them can make you feel a bit deflated.
Zone of Weakness – stuff you’re not good at, tasks that take you longer than others, yeah – this is the column of stuff where you suck (and that’s ok – we’re not good at everything).
Here’s my quick example:
What comes up for you when you reflect on your columns?
What percentage of your time is in each?
As Vanessa says, if you really want to utilise your work energy the best way possible – the aim is to optimise the A column and as much as possible give away/delegate B, C and D.
- How do you reflect on that?
- Are you giving away/delegating your A work sometimes? Don’t do that! You’re exceptional and known for it – lean in!
- How could you better lean into A more?
- How full is your B column? Smart people tend to spend too much time here
- Where could you make some changes?
A reminder of what the impact of all this is? When we really zone in on our Zone of Genius, our productivity increases, our confidence rises and we grow. AND when you know what your B,C and D are – you can hire people in your team that have those things in their A column. Genius, right?
There is still time to take advantage of my 50% off coaching deal. Six sessions normally cost you £540. Right now you can get the bundle for £270! There’s no better time to focus on yourself and your goals.
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