Are You Working in Your Zone of Brilliance?

Dear Leader, 

I once read The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, and the novel’s themes still stick with me today. I still apply them in my own career and leadership development and know that you too will benefit greatly from them.  

In the novel, Hendricks outlines how humans have 4 spheres of competences that we can live and work in: 

1. Zone of Incompetence  

This zone includes tasks and activities you’re not good at and don’t enjoy. They take energy away from you and you feel exhausted after doing them. You don’t look forward to doing things in this zone, nor will you deliver the best results.  

2. Zone of Competence 

Your Zone of Competence includes tasks and activities you cannot only do but are good at. It’s not where you necessarily excel, but working in this zone won’t exhaust you (it won’t exhilarate you either).  

3. Zone of Excellence  

Your Zone of Excellence is where you start to get your groove. The work you do in this area often uses your strengths and it’s where you deliver stellar results.  

4. Zone of Genius (What I Like to Call Zone of Brilliance) 

This is your sweet spot. Your Zone of Genius is where you were made to shine and what you’re naturally gifted at. In my world, this is your Zone of Brilliance, your God-given gifts that you were specifically designed with to make your mark on this world. Working in this zone is fulfilling, meaningful, and impactful. This is your specialty. No one does this work quite the way you do. It’s indescribable, but only describable to you.   

As bright and shiny as it sounds, working in your Zone of Brilliance isn’t always easy and effortless. It’s almost like a workout.  We know movement, however we do it, is beneficial for our minds, bodies, and emotions, yet we tend to rationalize why we can’t do it, such as lack of time. 

For instance, I’m currently writing a new book. Writing is my Zone of Brilliance, yet I often procrastinate it. Why? Because it’s harder than being on client calls and going through my inbox. But is it the most rewarding? Absolutely.  

A question I’m commonly asked is: “Should all my work fall under my Zone of Brilliance?” 

That would be wonderful, but it’s highly unlikely. There are certain things within your job description that are bound to not fall under your Zone of Brilliance.  

However, it’s important to be aware of what does fall under your Zone of Brilliance. Not only is this where you’ll shine and do your best work, but it’s where others will recognize your brilliance and talents too.  

So, as we end this letter, I want you to ask yourself: Am I working in my Zone of Brilliance? 

Remember, it doesn’t need to be all the time, but if you find you’re not dabbling in this area at all, you have some changes to make. 

Start by acknowledging which tasks and activities do fall under your Zone of Brilliance and go from there. 

I hope you shine in your Zone of Brilliance this week! 

Yours truly, 

Finka