Episode 27: Discovering the Working Genius
What is the Working Genius?
Alright, let's kick off with a quick refresher. The Working Genius model, brought to life by Pat Lencioni helps folks figure out their natural work strengths, aka 'geniuses.' There are six types: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. Or as I like to remember it—WIDGET.
Breaking Down the Six Types
Wonder: You’re the big thinker, always questioning and identifying areas for improvement. “Should we even be doing this?”
Invention: You're the idea machine, creating solutions out of thin air.
Discernment: You have the gut feeling to judge ideas. You can tell what’s a hit or miss.
Galvanizing: You’re the hype person, rallying everyone to get on board with the plan.
Enablement: You’re the team player, ready to jump in and help out. “Put me in, Coach!”
Tenacity: You’re the closer, committed to seeing tasks through to the end.
Implementing the Working Genius in My Life
After discovering this model, I knew it would be a goldmine for both work and home life. My wife and I are both“Discriminating Ideators.” We come up with creative, intuitive ideas, which sometimes leads to us brainstorming things we don’t really need—making for some interesting discussions.
Our kids, on the other hand, are “Contemplative Counselors.” They’re thoughtful and insightful, always advising with a deep sense of wisdom. Watching them navigate their early careers with this new understanding has been fascinating.
Transforming My Team with Working Genius
But I didn’t stop with the family. My entire team took the Working Genius assessment, and holy smokes, it’s been a game-changer. For example, we brought on Melissa as an account manager. Turns out, she's got TE (Tenacity and Enablement) genius. She loves diving into tasks and sees them through to the end, adding massive value across the board.
Recognizing my own frustrations—tenacity and enablement—has allowed me to lean on my team more and create a more balanced work environment.
The Benefits for Small Business Owners
To my fellow small business owners, listen up. Knowing what you and your team excel at (and what you don’t) will transform your delegation game. It creates a common language that boosts communication, reduces frustrations, and ramps up productivity.
Moving Forward with Working Genius
I started by introducing this to my small leadership team and then rolled it out to everyone. Just a few months in, the change is insane. From the field teams to the office crew, everyone is now more aligned and happier in their roles. We’ve adopted a dynamic approach that leverages individual strengths to tackle different project phases.
Embrace the Genius Within
Okay, so today's post isn’t your typical marketing tip, but this high-level strategy is crucial for building the business you want—not just maintaining the one you have. If you haven’t explored the Working Genius yet, I seriously recommend it. Start with yourself, then your leadership team, and eventually roll it out company-wide. It's not just about becoming more efficient; it’s about making work more enjoyable for everyone.
Thanks for hanging out with me. Make sure to catch the full episode where I discuss this in even more detail. I hope this insight inspires you to dig in and discover the geniuses within your team. Until next time, keep striving for that perfect balance.
