There are so many exciting opportunities right ahead of us! We can see them, smell them and they don’t seem far-fetched. Yet, sometimes something holds us off  from achieving our goals or tasks. Eventually, we might miss the courage to stand up or feel intimidated by the task ahead of us.

We are brave, but also lacking bravery to take the next necessary step, a step that leads us outside of our comfort zone. Whether in our personal or professional life, we all have been there!

Indeed, there is another way: A solution that only requires you. By concentrating on our own area of influence, we can create change from where we stand right now without a hefty financial or time commitment.

Today, we’ll explore how focusing on our own territory – whether that’s a specific role or department within an organization, or even in your personal life with family and friends – can be the key to creating more impactful outcomes in everything we do. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What the heck are my territories?

Every day, wherever we are, knowingly or unknowingly we step into different characters regularly. At work we act differently than at home. We are more at ease with our friends than with our coworkers, and we are certainly more playful and lighthearted with our kids. In fact, you’re a senior leader at work and also a wife, a mum and a friend in your personal life.

Naturally, each of these roles come with a specific territory which we have to act within if we plan on succeeding. Ultimately, each role requires an understanding of what is expected and how best to achieve it – knowing that and being mindful of these expectations is important so that we can focus on achieving them rather than worrying about ourselves.

Undoubtedly, as you can tell by now, it is critical to know your territories and how to play within them in order to level up your impact.

Everybody is part of several territories:

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the big picture. Take a step back, look at your life and understand the potential that is right in front of you: Being part of various roles provides you with the opportunity to take advantage of what they each demand from you. Consequently, it means that by understanding the responsibilities each territory comes with – both inside and outside your comfort zone – you can unlock your potential to make a real difference and so you can create something extraordinary.

Do you see the magic here? It is not about you, but about the opportunity in front of you: Are you willing to take the next step?

Get out of the way of yourself and create more impact now

Consider, what is something that makes you feel uncomfortable at work? What is a task that you have pushed away since weeks, because it intimidates you? Is this task part of your job description or personal goal? Can it help you to be more successful? What is the reason that you feel uncomfortable with it? 

A couple of years ago I spoke with a senior director at Google and asked for career advice. He posed a question: “What makes you uncomfortable at work”? I admitted that I hesitated to speak to senior leaders, as I potentially could waste their time and not provide enough value.

His response was enlightening: He suggested it wasn’t about me but the role that expected me to communicate with senior leaders, so I should not overthink the situation – but focus on what is expected of me and use it as an opportunity for collaboration

This notion blew my mind and opened my eyes; now I will approach any person, in whatever position, and make sure to express that my intention is not to take up their valuable time but rather to collaborate – having the goal of finding out how we can help each other and whether our goals are actually aligned. This advice has created massive impact for me from there onwards

Just a few weeks ago, I was surprised to hear someone say, “Wow, no one has ever asked me that question before.” The question I asked was simple: “Why are we having these meetings? What do you think I can help you with?” It turned out that this external party was looking to make connections within Google that were outside of my area of influence. By clearly communicating my territory, my area of influence and expertise, I prevented any potential disappointments and reduced a recurring meeting. It further allowed us to build a strong foundation for future collaboration.

To emphasize again: Know your territories: By knowing your territories and by communicating those you will get more out of many situations.

Create a ripple effect that extends far beyond yourself

Create more impact in your life, start by working within your territory. Take on new challenges at work, be more present with your family, reach out to your friends more often. These are just some small examples of how you can make a difference in the different areas of your life. By focusing on your role, the people and things that matter most to you, you can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond yourself.

When it comes to living your life, fulfilling your dreams and having impact, it is important to know your territories. That way, you can avoid getting in the way of yourself and maximize the impact you have. Here are three things to keep in mind when it comes to knowing and acting within your territories.

1. What territory do you find yourself in?

To know your territory, you first need to define it. What are the boundaries of it? What are the areas that you are responsible for? Once you have a clear understanding of your own scope of work and your expectations, you can begin to understand where your impact lies.

Think work: What is expected of you? What is expected of you a level up?
Think life: What expectations do you have for yourself? How would you like to see yourself as a husband? What kind of friend would you like to be? What would you expect from yourself for yourself?

2. Know your limits

Understanding your territory’s limits is just as important as understanding its boundaries, as it helps you to focus your efforts in the right places and allocate resources effectively.

Think work: What are you doing that is outside of your scope? Does it provide a positive impact?
Think life: Dream big, live big! Know what responsibilities can’t just be on your shoulders. As a friend, are you the only one reaching out to your friends and organizing things always?  Do you enjoy doing so?

3. Be mindful

The overlap between your territories and other areas of responsibility is an opportunity to think creatively and expand your horizons. Be mindful of your boundaries, but don’t be afraid to step outside of them and explore new possibilities. Embrace the challenge of working in different areas, and use it as a chance to learn and grow.

What’s next?

In just a couple minutes, you can also watch my video on “Level up your impact: Know your territories!” and learn how executive coaching can help you achieve your goals.

Here are just a few of the benefits of executive coaching and what other leaders achieved through knowing their territories:

• Increased self-awareness: Leaders like you learned more about their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
• Improved goal setting: You’ll learn how to set realistic and challenging goals that fit your style and needs.
• Better time management: You’ll learn how to prioritize your tasks and manage your time more effectively so that you have time for yourself, your family & friends and your work!
• Increased confidence: The journey of increased confidence is one that many leaders always highlight after they learn about their territories through coaching.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, reach out today!

Lastly, as always in coaching, don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun on the journey.