‘Genius’ work can bring up BIG feelings.

Those who invest the time to identify their ‘zone of genius’ report feeling a new lightness and motivation. Others have told me it brings up feelings of confusion or frustration, and even grief that their career has taken them faaaaar away from their ‘genius.’

If any of this reflects your experience, let me I assure you, there are three ways you can keep moving forward!

Taking responsibility for your ‘zone of genius’ means deepening your relationship with it, so you can start delivering remarkably targeted value in a short(er) amount of time.

If you are a skeptic, study it to learn more about it.
If you are a people-person, find others who value it.
If you are a hands-on learner, practice it.
If you are a service-oriented person, teach it or offer it to more people.

Any one of these choices will increase your enjoyment of work, focus your impact, build a positive reputation (and culture), and continue to distinguish who you really are as a leader!

Once you take responsibility for your ‘zone of genius,’ you may feel like there is even more on your plate. This may be true, but not for long!

Prioritizing your ‘genius’ means reducing the effort and energy you investment in your other zones of incompetence, competence and (yes!) excellence. By doing this, you stand to gain back energy - that lightness and motivation! - for the work you are meant to be doing.

If you are presently working in all 4 zones…

Try shifting your effort and energy to 3. Drop what’s in your ‘zone of incompetence like a hot potato!

If you are presently working in 3 zones…

Try shifting your effort and energy to just 2. Relinquish what’s in your ‘zone of competence’ and offer it to someone who can do it as well or better!

If you are presently working in 2 zones…

Try shifting your effort and energy to a 60/40 ratio or a 70/30 ratio. Ultimately, a powerful ratio will be 80/20 of genius/excellence!

These intentional shifts are a practice of compassionate self-command and they may take the form of new routines, new scheduling criteria (aka time management), new decision-making criteria (what you say yes or no to, and why).

When you move closer to leading with your ‘zone of genius’ you may find that your intentional shifts no longer align with the expectations of others. People may still approach you with requests that fall in your zones of incompetence, competence, and excellence, and a story may still exist that you will rally and ‘lead by doing’…but how you lead will now look different!

When someone makes a request of you that does not fall in your zones of excellence and genius, you can decline the full responsibility and use your ‘genius’ to help them move forward.

If your ‘genius’ is connecting people, broker a meaningful introduction to another genius!
If your ‘genius’ is putting beautiful products into the world, offer to consult on design!
If your ‘genius’ is storytelling, help them prepare their own pitch!

You will quickly become known for your generosity and consistency!