Chad’s Blog
Pragmatic Technologies for Life and Business Success®
When it comes to your business development, what projects are you working on?
I’ve seen a few instances where clients have taken on the design and development of their websites themselves. These endeavors not only required months of learning new skills and grappling with significant technological challenges, but the outcomes were often subpar. What concerned me most was their complete distraction from the tasks they excel at—the unique gifts they offer their clients to provide the utmost value.
This example illustrates a broader issue: it’s not just about web development. What other tasks are you engaged in that distract you from your core focus?
Staying in Your Zone of Genius
Imagine if Steve Jobs had spent his time fixing computers instead of innovating. He understood the importance of focusing on his “zone of genius”—the intersection of his passion and skill, a term coined by Gay Hendricks, an American psychologist, writer, and teacher in the field of personal growth, relationships, and body intelligence. When we step outside our expertise, we not only dilute our effectiveness but also miss out on opportunities to excel in what we do best.
I don’t want to suggest that I have been completely immune from this syndrome. When I first created my software business years ago, it took me a while to achieve the kind of success that enabled me to hire talented software developers and other team members for various organizational functions. I remember my key software developer walking into my office, catching me immersed in writing code. She looked at me puzzled and asked, “Why don’t you let us do the development you hired us to do, so you can focus on business development and getting our company to the next level?” My software company took off thereafter. It was a great lesson that has stayed with me to this day.
How to Break Free from Distractions
So, what should you do when you find yourself under that distraction spell?
Identify Your:
- Distractions
- Tasks you dread or procrastinate on
- Activities requiring significant time that don’t contribute to your primary goals
- Tasks that can be delegated or eliminated
Take Action by:
- Assessing and prioritizing your workload
- Identifying tasks outside your expertise and interest
- Locating the right talent to handle those tasks
- Communicating your expectations clearly
- Monitoring and measuring progress and adjusting as needed
The Power of Delegation
Delegation is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move towards growth and excellence. By focusing on your core competencies and entrusting other tasks to those who excel in them, you can enhance your productivity.
As Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, educator, and author, once said, “Do what you do best and outsource the rest.” This principle is crucial for any business striving for growth and success. By staying in your zone of genius and allowing others to do the same, you create a synergistic environment where everyone’s talents are maximized, transforming you into your own genius.
What tasks can you delegate today to stay in your zone of genius? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
Get your copy of my latest new books available now on my Amazon’s author page.
