Understanding the Four Zones of Work
1️⃣ Zone of Incompetence (Tasks the CEO should never do)
- These are tasks that the CEO struggles with or that others can do better and faster.
- Example tasks:
- Inbox Management
- Calendar Management
- Team meetings
- Social Media Management
- Project/Task Management
- Travel Management
- Personal Errands
- Action: Identify these tasks and immediately delegate to someone more skilled within the team like the EA, Project Manager, Finance Team(CFO, Clerk, Bookkeeper) Social Media Manager.
2️⃣ Zone of Competence (Tasks the CEO can do but shouldn’t)
- These tasks are manageable, but others can handle them just as well, freeing up the CEO’s time.
- Example tasks:
- Scheduling meetings
- Managing travel arrangements
- Managing Dashboard
- Client Follow-ups
- Action: Automate or delegate to an assistant or team member.
3️⃣ Zone of Excellence (Tasks the CEO does very well but drain energy)
- The CEO may be highly skilled in these areas, but doing them limits their ability to focus on bigger opportunities.
- Example tasks:
- Reviewing team deliverables
- Client Communication
- Overseeing daily team operations
- Action: Shift some of these tasks to senior leaders or trusted advisors, ensuring the CEO is only involved when necessary.
4️⃣ Zone of Genius (Where the CEO has the most impact & energy)
- These are the high-value, strategic tasks that the CEO loves doing and that create the biggest impact.
- Example tasks:
- Client Meetings
- Quarterly planning meetings
- Content Creation
- Action: Protect this time fiercely by eliminating or delegating lower-level tasks.
Spotting Misalignment & Engaging in Courageous Conversations
🔹 Step 1: Identify Misalignment