Framework
Mental Models

Circle of Competence

Know what you know — and don't

Best for
staying inside your edge
Time
30–60 min
Difficulty
Intermediate

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Circle of Competence diagramSchematic of the Circle of Competence framework: Know what you know — and don't.Don't knowKnowKnow well
The Circle of Competence diagram — Know what you know — and don't.
Example

Honest map of what I actually know in my new VP role

Inside circle
  • Product strategy for B2B SaaS
  • Hiring engineers at < 100 person scale
  • Pricing for self-serve products
Outside circle
  • Enterprise sales process at $1M+ ACV
  • Patent strategy
  • Public-company financial reporting

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