Women Powering Ecommerce

045 - Unleashing Your Zone of Genius for eCommerce Success

Written by Suzie Cyrenne | Nov 14, 2023 1:15:00 PM

Welcome to another episode of Women Powering eCommerce! In this episode, we're going to delve into a concept that can revolutionize your approach to work and life: your "zone of genius." If you've ever found yourself so absorbed in a task that you lose track of time, you've likely experienced your zone of genius. But what exactly is it, and how can it transform your e-commerce journey? Join me as we explore this powerful concept that has had a profound impact on my work and can do the same for you.

Understanding the Zones of Work

Before we dive into the magical realm of the "zone of genius," let's understand the four different zones we can find ourselves in when working:

  • Zone of Incompetence: This is where we struggle and are not good at something. We'd rather avoid it if we can.
  • Zone of Competence: In this zone, we can do the work, but it doesn't make us stand out. Others may excel more in the same tasks.
  • Zone of Excellence: Here, we are highly skilled, and we may enjoy the work, but it doesn't resonate with our true passions.
  • Zone of Genius: This is the sweet spot where our innate talents and skills align seamlessly with our deepest passions. It's where passion meets talent, and we achieve exceptional results.

 

Discovering Your Zone of Genius

Your zone of genius is like your natural calling, where your special abilities and skills blend harmoniously with your true passions. This concept was beautifully defined in the book "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks: "In the zone, you capitalize on your natural abilities, which are innate rather than learned. This is the state in which you get into the flow, find ceaseless inspiration, and seem to not only come up with work that is distinguished and unique but also do so in a way that excels far and beyond what anyone else is doing."

Working in your zone of genius is akin to making your passion and talent your everyday reality. It's about thriving in what you do, rather than just surviving. While it might not always be possible to stay in your zone of genius 100% of the time, making conscious efforts to spend the majority of your work life in this zone can be transformative.

 

Taking Action: How to Find Your Zone of Genius

So, how do you go about finding and spending more time in your zone of genius? Let's explore some steps to help you get there:

Self-Reflection

Start by asking yourself three fundamental questions:

a. What do I love to do?
b. What work do I do that doesn't feel like work?
c. What am I really good at?

These questions lay the groundwork for understanding where your true passions and talents lie.

Seek Input

Don't hesitate to seek feedback from friends and family. Send them a survey with questions like:

a. What am I doing or talking about when I'm most energized and happy?
b. What was I doing when you saw me at my best?
c. What special skills do you think I possess?
d. What are your three favorite qualities you see in me?
e. What results do I achieve in my zone of genius?
f. How have I contributed to your life?

These answers can provide valuable insights into areas where you may excel and what truly ignites your passion.

Conclusion

Working in your zone of genius can lead to unprecedented fulfillment and success in your e-commerce journey. It's the place where your talents, skills, and passions intersect to create something extraordinary. While it might not always be feasible to remain in your zone of genius at all times, striving to spend more time there can significantly enhance your work life.

Remember, finding your zone of genius requires self-reflection, feedback from others, and a willingness to make necessary changes. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and you'll unlock your true potential, ultimately achieving your e-commerce goals with a newfound sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Thank you for joining me in this episode of Women Powering eCommerce. Your support means the world to us as we strive to inspire more women entrepreneurs in the e-commerce industry. Don't forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to this podcast for more valuable insights and inspiration. Stay tuned for the next episode where we continue to explore the world of women in e-commerce.