Ep. 207 The 6 types of Working Genius
Hi, I’m Dr Jim Hoven, your host of the Difference Makers podcast. This is a place where people come together that are making a difference for those who want to make a difference and that’s you we’re bringing thought leaders together in a sense of fusion where ideas and Concepts and personalities are all driven together into one place at one time and this is no different. In this episode. You’re going to see cool things from cool people making a difference. Hey difference makers great to have you back for another episode of the show and today I’m going to spend some time talking about something that I’m really passionate about and I’ve really been putting a lot of time into recently into a new version of this particular item. Now what is it you ask that I’m so connected to and committed to and passionate about right now. It’s all about personal development on one side but team development and productivity on another so let me explain.
The six types of working genius are:
- Wonder: The natural gift of pondering the possibility of greater potential and opportunity in a given situation.
- Invention: The natural gift of creating original and novel ideas and solutions.
- Discernment: The natural gift of intuitively and instinctively evaluating ideas and situations.
- Galvanizing: The natural gift of rallying, inspiring, and organizing others to take action.
- Enablement: The natural gift of providing encouragement and assistance for an idea or project.
- Tenacity: The natural gift of pushing projects or tasks to completion to achieve results
The Working Genius Key insights
- Dr. Jim Hoven is passionate about bringing thought leaders together to make a difference in the corporate world.
- The concept of the 6 working genius can be a gamechanger in understanding strengths and roles within a teams.
- Working in your working geniuses is where magic happens and can lead to great success.
- The gift of invention is the natural gift of creating original and novel ideas and solutions, and those who have it love to generate new ideas and solutions to problems.
- The ability to galvanize is a natural gift that brings people together behind a vision and keeps the energy flowing in a project or relationship.
- Enablement is the natural gift of providing encouragement and assistance for an idea or project, showing the importance of cooperation and help in moving the team forward together.
- People with the genius of tenacity push for required standards of excellence and live to see the impact of their work.
- Knowing your working genius, competency, and frustrations can help you maximize your energy and passion in your work.
Patrick Lencioni: Unlocking Work Happiness With The Working Genius
In this live episode of The Difference Makers Podcast, Dr. Jim Hoven introduces the concept of the Working Genius productivity model, a tool developed by Patrick Lencioni. Dr. Hoven explains that this model is not a personality test but rather a productivity assessment designed to help individuals discover their strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. The model categorizes individuals into six key “geniuses” that help teams work more effectively by identifying where each team member excels and where they struggle. Dr. Hoven emphasizes the importance of working in one’s “genius” to feel more fulfilled and productive at work and explains how this approach can improve team dynamics.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Hoven breaks down the six working geniuses—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—and discusses how each genius contributes to a project. He also offers practical tips on how individuals and teams can use the Working Genius model to balance tasks, improve communication, and increase overall productivity. By understanding where each team member thrives, teams can better allocate responsibilities, resulting in more efficient workflows and greater job satisfaction.
Key Insights:
- Working Genius Overview: The Working Genius model identifies six types of productivity strengths—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity.
- Not a Personality Test: The model focuses on how people work, not who they are, making it a practical tool for improving productivity in various settings.
- Six-Letter Jobs and Projects: Every job and project requires all six geniuses for success, from ideation to execution.
- Maximizing Team Productivity: Teams should focus on leveraging each member’s geniuses while avoiding burnout by balancing tasks according to their strengths and frustrations.
- Genius and Frustrations: Each person has two geniuses (where they excel), two competencies (where they are capable but not passionate), and two frustrations (tasks they find draining).
- Practical Application: Using the model, individuals and teams can restructure their work to maximize productivity and fulfillment by aligning tasks with strengths.
FAQ
Q1: What is the Working Genius model?
A: The Working Genius model is a productivity assessment tool developed by Patrick Lencioni that identifies six key areas where individuals excel in the workplace. These areas, or “geniuses,” are Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity.
Q2: How is the Working Genius different from a personality test?
A: Unlike personality tests, which focus on who you are, the Working Genius model assesses how you work. It helps identify where you are most productive and fulfilled in tasks and projects.
Q3: What are the six Working Geniuses?
A: The six Working Geniuses are:
- Wonder: Asking questions and exploring possibilities.
- Invention: Creating solutions and generating new ideas.
- Discernment: Evaluating ideas and making sound decisions.
- Galvanizing: Rallying people and driving projects forward.
- Enablement: Providing support and helping others execute.
- Tenacity: Ensuring tasks are completed with excellence.
Q4: Can someone have more than two working geniuses?
A: No, the model categorizes individuals into two geniuses, two competencies (areas they are capable but not passionate), and two frustrations (tasks they find draining).
Q5: How can teams use the Working Genius model?
A: Teams can use the model to balance tasks and responsibilities according to each member’s strengths. By aligning tasks with geniuses, teams can improve communication, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Q6: How do I find out my Working Geniuses?
A: You can take the Working Genius assessment at workinggenius.com for $25. This will provide you with a detailed report on your geniuses, competencies, and frustrations.
