Framework
The Elevation Framework
Your to-do list gravitates toward entropy. Tasks pile up, priorities blur, and you end up busy but not productive. This framework helps you sort through the chaos by asking two questions about every task: What's its impact? Does it use my superpowers? The answers tell you what to Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, and Elevate.
The Junk Drawer Problem
Your to-do list is like a kitchen junk drawer. Items end up there for all kinds of reasons: you couldn't say no, you're the leader so ambiguous tasks default to you, you did something once and now you're "the person who does that thing."
These items may be important. But that doesn't mean you should be doing them. If you want to stay busy, that's a great recipe. If you want to make a real difference in your life and work? Not so much.
Two Questions That Change Everything
The Elevation Framework helps you categorize every task by reflecting on two questions:
Know Thy Work
"What is the impact of this task?"
Not how long you've been doing it. Not whether it produces a result. Results that aren't impactful are just busy work. We want work that makes a lasting impact on people and business.
Know Thyself
"Does this task utilize my superpowers?"
What are you naturally great at? What brings you energy? What leaves you feeling fulfilled? You don't have enough time to do every important task. The question is whether you should be the one doing it.
The Framework Overview
Plot each task on two axes: impact (vertical) and superpower integration (horizontal). Where it lands tells you what to do with it.
Eliminate
Low Impact + Low Integration
Tasks that don't matter and don't use your strengths. Stop doing them entirely.
Automate
Low Impact + High Integration
Tasks you're good at but that don't move the needle. Build systems to handle them.
Delegate
High Impact + Low Integration
Important tasks that don't use your superpowers. Find someone whose superpower it is.
Elevate
High Impact + High Integration
High-impact work that uses your superpowers. This is where you belong. Do more of this.
Low impact, doesn't use your strengths. Just stop.
You're good at it, but it doesn't matter much. Systematize it.
Important work, but not your zone of genius. Hand it off.
High impact + your superpowers. Your sweet spot.
Know Thy Work
Determining the impact of a task requires honest assessment. Here are three questions to help you evaluate each item on your list.
What would happen if it didn't get done?
Think critically. What are the possible repercussions? What are the likely repercussions? Those are often not the same thing. Consider what would happen in a week, a quarter, a year. Would anyone notice?
How is it related to your goals?
If you use OKRs and KPIs, think about how each task relates. Not every item will have a direct correlation, but tasks that align with your goals should rate higher on impact. If you don't have formal goals, ask: does this move me in the direction I want to go?
Does this task affect others' ability to work?
Sometimes we perform tasks for other team members. Does this task create or remove a bottleneck? If others are waiting on you to complete something before they can make progress, that affects impact.
Know Thyself
Your superpowers are what you're naturally great at, what energizes you, and what brings fulfillment. Discovering them takes reflection.
What are you naturally good at?
We have a tendency to focus on what we're bad at. But your superpowers are likely things you do every day without much thought. Ask yourself:
- What unique perspective do I bring to discussions?
- What feels effortless and natural?
- When am I confident and fearless?
What brings you deep joy?
Not things that make you happy. Things that bring fulfillment on a deeper level. Tasks that make you lose track of time in a good way. Activities that spark your imagination and give you energy.
If you can find those things, you've likely found a superpower.
What would others say?
It's likely that others rely on your superpowers already. Ask colleagues and friends what they think you do better or differently than anyone else. Their answers might surprise you.
Assessments like CliftonStrengths or Working Genius can also help you think critically about what brings you joy and what you're naturally great at.
The Four Quadrants
Eliminate
Low Impact + Low Integration
These tasks don't matter much and don't use your strengths. They ended up on your list because you couldn't say no, or because "someone has to do it."
Automate
Low Impact + High Integration
You're good at these tasks, maybe even enjoy them. But they don't move the needle. The trap is spending time on work that feels productive but isn't impactful.
Delegate
High Impact + Low Integration
Important work that doesn't align with your superpowers. You can do it, but someone else could do it better. Holding onto it limits both you and them.
Elevate
High Impact + High Integration
This is where you belong. High-impact work that uses your superpowers and brings you energy. This is the work only you can do at this level.
How to Apply the Framework
Mind Dump
Write down every recurring task you do. Think back over the last year for tasks you do daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Don't edit or be critical. Capture them all.
Score Each Task
Give each task two scores from 0-5: one for Impact and one for Superpower integration. Use the reflection questions from the Know Thy Work and Know Thyself sections.
Classify
Based on your scores, assign each task to a quadrant: Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, or Elevate. The scoring is a tool, not an absolute. Use your judgment for edge cases.
Separate Into Lists
Create four lists and move each task to its proper home. Your Eliminate list goes in a drawer. Your Elevate list becomes your new to-do list.
Elevate
Work your Elevate list. See how much more you accomplish when you focus on high-impact work that uses your superpowers.
Revisit and Repeat
Review weekly for the first month, then monthly for three months, then quarterly. New tasks will invade your list. The only way to maintain order is through intentional effort.
Common Traps
Scoring high on superpower but low on impact
You enjoy it and you're good at it, but it doesn't matter much. This is seductive. Don't give up something that brings fulfillment just because a framework says so. But be honest about whether it's truly fulfilling or just comfortable.
Overestimating impact
You're more likely to get an impact score wrong than a superpower score. You know yourself better than you can predict outcomes. That's why regular reviews are essential.
Skipping the reviews
Your to-do list gravitates toward entropy. So does mine. The only way to maintain order is through intentional, repeated effort. Skip reviews and you'll be back in the junk drawer within months.
When to Use This Framework
- When your to-do list feels overwhelming
- When you're busy but not making progress
- When you can't figure out what to work on next
- When you're taking on work that doesn't fit your role
- During quarterly planning or goal setting
- When onboarding into a new position
Keep in Mind
- It requires self-awareness. If you don't know your superpowers, start there first. Consider the Difference Factor assessment.
- It's not a one-time fix. Regular reviews are essential. Skip them and entropy wins.
- Use judgment on edge cases. The scoring helps, but sometimes fulfilling work matters even if it's "low impact."
Ready to elevate what matters most?
I help leaders get clarity on their highest-value work and build systems that protect their time for what matters. Let's talk about what that could look like for you.