As these tough times continue, it’s often hard to have a positive focus and outlook.
As a leader you might be feeling deskilled as you work harder and harder to juggle the competing demands of this unpredictable, ever changing world that we are living in.
But remember that it was your unique ability that brought the success you’ve achieved to date and it’s what will bring you through these tough times.
I define your unique ability as the ‘intersection between your skill and passion to create maximum value your customers.’
Here’s the funny part about discovering your unique ability: the most natural response in the world is to immediately downplay your innate talents. You think everyone can do what you do because it comes to you so easily. But that’s the furthest thing from the truth.
Your unique combination of skills and talents, passion, and life experiences could never be duplicated by anyone else.
That’s where the power lies. Discovering, understanding and being able to work in your “zone” is your surest path to success.
The secret is to embrace and use your unique talents and skills at every opportunity until you’re working in your “zone” exclusively—which will mean delegating, outsourcing or automating the energy-draining activities you’re not the best at or really dislike doing.
It’s important to recognise that understanding what you do best (that leads to your greatest productivity and delivers real results) is a game changer. It gives growth a chance to take hold and, just like compound interest, provides exponential returns for you, your team and your business.
How can you work in your zone?
Here are three suggestions:
First, start eliminating. Look at all the activities in your business and tell the truth about them. Realise you can’t do them all yourself, and figure out how to stop trying to do it all, especially the thing that just irritate you.
Second, determine what’s truly important. Get clear on what clients and customers count on you for and that brings in money, but that you DON’T love doing.
Third, find your sweet spot. Zero in on everything you love doing and wish you could do more of. This is where you provide leadership to your team and bring real value to your clients.
So… what are some actions you can take today to make sure that you’re fully equipped and supported to stay within your unique ability and therefore add customer value?