The Six Types of Working Genius: What Makes for a Great Team & Marriage!

Patrick Lencioni, the author of the best-selling book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” has introduced a new concept called the Six Types of Working Genius in the book by the same title.

I recently learned about these different types of “genius” while interviewing a guest for an upcoming Gemba Academy podcast (stay tuned for episode 470)!

The basic idea is that everyone has certain areas of natural talent that can be harnessed for better job performance and team collaboration. So, in this article, we’ll explore each of the six types of working genius and how they relate to what we continuous improvement practitioners are trying to achieve.

Wonder

The first type of working genius is Wonder. This is the ability to be curious, ask questions, and to explore new ideas. People who have the gift of Wonder are often imaginative, creative, and bring new ideas to the table. Continuous Improvement teams that have members with Wonder are more likely to generate innovative solutions and take on new challenges.

Invention

Next we have the genius of Invention. This is the ability to create something new from scratch. People who have the gift of Invention are often innovative and resourceful, and can come up with new ideas and experiments quickly. Teams that have members with Invention are more likely to be able to develop new products and services and respond quickly to changes in the market. These teams are also able to quickly think of experiments as they attempt to learn what works and what doesn’t work. These folks just gotta kata!

Discernment

The third type of working genius is Discernment. This is the ability to evaluate information and make good decisions. People who have the gift of Discernment are often good judges of character and can quickly assess situations and determine the best course of action. Teams that have members with Discernment are more likely to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. The phrase “don’t be so sure” comes to mind when I think of someone high in Discernment.

Galvanizing

Next, we have the Galvanizer. Galvanizing is the ability to rally people around a cause or an idea. People who have the gift of Galvanizing are often charismatic and can inspire others to take action. Teams that have Galvanizing team members are more likely to be motivated, focused, and collaborative. As an aside, when I took the assessment I was strong in this genius.

Enablement

The fifth type of working genius is Enablement. This is the ability to help others achieve their full potential. People who have the gift of Enablement are often supportive and nurturing, and they can help others develop their skills and talents. Teams that have members with Enablement are more likely to have a positive and supportive culture, and they can build strong relationships with each other. Many of the best CI coaches I have worked with seem to be strong in this Enablement genius.

Tenacity

Finally, the sixth type of working genius is Tenacity. This is the ability to persist and persevere through challenges and obstacles. People who have the gift of Tenacity are often determined, resilient, and able to overcome obstacles on their way to their goals. Teams that have members with Tenacity are more likely to be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, and they can achieve their goals even when the going gets tough.

There are Two

Mr. Lencioni opines that most people have two primary geniuses they’re strong in while also having two they are competent in. This leaves two geniuses that actually take energy away from an individual.

As with any sort of behavioral assessment, I don’t want to pretend this one is flawless. Critics of assessments like this will say things like, “Well, I want to be tenacious so I will answer all the questions in such a way that I will get the result I’m looking for.” I think there is truth to this so if you’re not able to honestly assess who you are, and what makes you tick, this sort of assessment will be of little value.

That said, I am fascinated by this sort of thing and love to understand what brings me fulfillment (i.e. I’m personally high in Galvanizing & Tenacity) as well as what makes others tick.

What Makes a Great Team (and Marriage!)

Finally, I do believe that the best teams, and organizations, are those that have a nice “genius” balance. As an example, my two business partners – Kevin & Jon – are very different from me. And while I don’t believe they’ve taken this assessment I am quite confident our results would vary since our individual strengths are very different.

My wife, for what it’s worth, did take the assessment and we actually share many of the same characteristics but also have some massive differences. My wife, for example, is very high in “Wonder” while this particular genius is in my bottom two.

This is why home projects can be frustrating for both of us. She will dream and dream while I just want to get on with it and get it done since I’m also high in tenacity.

In other words, while balance may be ideal…this can lead to tension from time to time. But, as we lean thinkers know, the obstacles in life often show us the way!

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