Zone of Genius

I’ve then found their service to be pretty shocking. Subsequently, I’ve been left wondering if it is because we are smaller than their usual client or if they really are useless. I am hoping at least that their service is because they aren’t working in their Zone of Genius. Rather than they just being a bad company to work with that is, I do like to see the best in everyone. Although I’m struggling with this one.

I’ve taken on work outside my Zone of Genius too

Following on from this, also in my other life, the engraving one. We have recently done a few jobs that have been ‘trying’ to say the least. I’m still guilty of trying to help everyone out. It is something I’m working on and the recent jobs have encouraged me to work harder on that.

I’ve always had some sort of justification for taking the job, such as an interest in the area they work or potential future work etc. But I do need to ignore that at times I believe. I do think it is part of being a mum at times that we feel we must find a solution to everything! And everyone’s problems.

I have looked at the time spent dealing with one particular enquiry that certainly wasn’t in our zone of genius. It is for a soap maker (something I’m interested in learning about). We’ve basically been making a prototype product for him which has involved working with 4 of our valued suppliers. Essentially putting in a lot of work and bothering them to do the same. For something that is unlikely to become big bucks for them.

What to do about it?

I’ve taken The Big Leap (that’s the title of Gay’s book incidentally and well worth a read – I’ve linked it for ease in case you want to have a look. You can try it free on Kindle if you prefer), to saying we can’t continue the project anymore. Which isn’t something I like to do. But after considering how many hours I’ve spent on his project instead of any of my own it is the only option. He’s been happily using me to do all of his ground work for very very little reward. Therefore making the job a loss for far too long.

See, none of us are perfect but just because you start something, once you realise it is wrong, it doesn’t mean you should carry it on.

Why is working outside your Zone of Genius a bad thing?

What I’ve found when you are doing something too far outside your zone of genius, is that your work standards suffer. You don’t do the job to the same standard or with the same service you usually do. You might be far slower at replying to people. The standard might just not be what it should be. Your enthusiasm could suffer meaning you dread working on it, instead of being your usual happy self.

It is worth looking at your own list and considering what falls into this category. You may be able to identify jobs or clients you wouldn’t take on in future. One exception to this could be if it is an area you want to get into more. Sometimes then you need these negative experiences to learn the lessons to make your future offerings the best they can be.

Every day’s a school day

My lesson is around boundaries and saying no. It is something I’ve struggled with historically but I’m not beating myself up about it and neither should you. Being in business is all about lessons and as long as you are learning along the way, you are growing. We have an opportunity to learn in business every day at least. In such a wide area of skills, it is very difficult to get that same opportunity for growth in an employed role.

I’d love to help you discover your Zone of Genius and how it could help your business to thrive. Contact us to chat further.

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