The 6 Types of Working Genius

If you haven’t taken a personality test for work yet, you probably will soon. Over the years, many have trended, such as the DISC and Enneagram assessments, and I have probably taken most of them. And perhaps surprisingly, I do think that each one was fairly accurate and increased my awareness of how I work as an individual and how to relate to others based on their assessments. But that is as far as the assessments would go. The latest one, The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni was different; It showed me how I work as a part of the whole not just as an individual.

Let me explain. The 6 Types of Working Genius (“Working Genius”) begins by showing how projects are broken down into 6 categories, or “geniuses”. Each genius moves the project along from conception to completion with each genius requiring different skills, talents, or traits. For example, the first genius, Wonder requires “pondering the possibility of greater potential and opportunity in a given situation” which requires something different from the final genius, Tenacity, which “revolves around making sure that goals are met and projects are completed on time”.

I loved this team concept! Where do I fit in best with my coworkers to get the job done well and on time (there is my Tenacity showing already!) But that isn’t all. Patrick Lencioni claims that of the 6 geniuses, each person has two that they thrive in – or Geniuses, two with very little aptitude – known as frustrations, and two that can be done well, but there is little passion for – or competencies.

                Geniuses: passion and aptitude

                Competencies: little passion, but aptitude

                Frustrations: no passion and no aptitude

By taking the assessment, you find out which of the geniuses fall into each of the categories. Then you apply that to your actual workload. To be successful and fulfilled, people should be working mostly in their Geniuses, a little in their competencies, and not in their frustrations, but according to Lencioni, many are stuck in their competencies. 

This was eye-opening for me because I have found myself in my competencies quite often. Having understood this at an earlier stage of my professional career would have made a difference in my career decisions and most likely in my education. I do seek those responsibilities and tasks that shift me into my geniuses and absolutely love it! It makes a difference in whether you love going to work or just don’t mind it. If you are interested in learning more, go to their website: https://www.workinggenius.com/