Gay Hendricks, author of The Big Leap, uses the term zone of genius to describe one of four zones we operate in. The theory behind the zone of genius is we operate from strengths and weaknesses all the time. While it’s not impossible to get outcomes despite having weaknesses, it is better and more advantageous to create outcomes from strengths; therefore, knowing our zones can help.
The zones represented in Hendricks’ book are
- Zone of incompetence
- Zone of competence
- Zone of excellence
- Zone of genius
It’s fairly straightforward to see there is a spectrum that we operate from ranging from incompetence to off-the-charts genius!
The zone of incompetence- Let’s face it, there are things we are simply no good at. Whether it’s lack of knowledge or having two left feet, sometimes we are incompetent. Operating in this zone typically feels like weakness is everywhere. It’s a perfect example of working hard and struggling. Operating in the zone of incompetence can be important if you are trying to learn a new skill set or beginning something brand new that you’ve never been exposed to.
There’s a difference between being a newbie at something and learning the ropes versus trying to push a round peg through a square hole. Sometimes being in the zone of incompetence is part of the journey and sometimes it’s an indicator you should be focused on something you have more aptitude for.
The zone of competence- Sometimes we have just enough ability to get by. We aren’t awful at something, but we are far, far from a genius too. The zone of competence is where you operate from average ability. You certainly aren’t weak, but you aren’t crushing it either. Your ability matches most people in efficiency, but it wouldn’t necessarily be considered a strength.
The zone of competence can include a lot of the routine functions that most ‘adulting’ requires. Not everyone is an expert at landscape, but they can mow their lawn. Some people can complete their own tax forms, but they wouldn’t be considered fluent in tax law. In many ways, competence is important for a wide variety of daily living tasks, but it isn’t highlighting your strengths.
The zone of excellence- This zone is often mistaken for the zone of genius, but it’s slightly different. This zone includes tasks and characteristics that are definitely strengths, but not necessarily innate strengths. These strengths tend to be fostered over time by repeatedly doing them. It has been said that once you do something ten thousand times, you can be considered an expert. The repetition develops a strength that can’t be denied and should be applauded, but it isn’t indicative of your inner genius.
The zone of excellence is a wonderful place to be. This is a zone where hard work does, in fact, pay off. Dedicating yourself to a craft or activity long enough to become excellent at it is an achievement and should be celebrated.
The zone of genius- This zone is your unique place to shine. Your genius is represented by innate abilities that are effortless. The zone of genius is the place you go when you get lost in your favorite activity and lose track of time. The things you long to do when you have free time fall into this zone. The activities, behaviors, traits, and abilities you have that people are awed by are your genius.
This zone is identifiable by the way you operate at levels above other people. Your output exceeds theirs. Your results are superior though you seem to need less effort to achieve them. This zone includes your strengths as well as your gifts.
We all fall on a spectrum of ability. Hendricks’ zones can help us identify where we are and help us get into the zone of flow.
