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The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
SummaryWhy Working Genius Matters
In The 6 Types of Working Genius, Patrick Lencioni introduces a model to maximize team productivity and engagement by aligning tasks with innate strengths. The WIDGET framework—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity—identifies six genius types. Assigning work matching each person’s two strongest types boosts enthusiasm and loyalty, while mismatched tasks lead to burnout. Leaders who map these strengths create thriving, balanced teams.
How Working Genius Works
Lencioni’s model requires assessing team members’ genius types through project phase preferences (Ideation, Activation, Execution) and activation styles (responsive or focused). A working genius team map reveals misalignments and gaps, enabling leaders to reassign roles or hire strategically. By leveraging strengths, leaders minimize frustration, enhance collaboration, and ensure projects progress smoothly from vision to completion.
Key Insights:
Aligning tasks with genius types (WIDGET) increases engagement, reduces burnout.
Each person excels in two of six types; mismatching causes frustration.
Team maps identify gaps and misalignments for better role assignments.
Wonder: Curious, Invention: Creative, Discernment: Analytical, Galvanizing: Motivating, Enablement: Supportive, Tenacity: Persistent.
Checklist (6 items, ~60 seconds)Assess Phase: Ask one teammate their favourite project phase (e.g., “ideation”).
Identify Genius: Note their top genius type (e.g., “Wonder for brainstorming”).
Check Fit: Confirm their role matches their genius (e.g., “vision for Wonder”)
Spot Gap: List one missing genius type (e.g., “no Galvanizer”).
Adjust Role: Reassign one task to align with strengths (e.g., “Tenacity to execution”).
Plan Hire: Name one genius type to recruit (e.g., “Invention for planning”).
Notes: Update the team map quarterly. Discuss genius types in team meetings. Designed for leaders to optimize team performance and engagement.
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Until next time,
G