The 6 Types of Working Genius: Understanding the Key Roles in Effective Teamwork
In today’s fast-paced, collaboration-driven work environment, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of team members is crucial for achieving success. Patrick Lencioni’s 6 Types of Working Genius model offers a simple yet powerful framework to optimize team dynamics, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration. Whether you’re leading a team, working as part of one, or trying to improve team performance, knowing which Working Genius type you align with can be transformative.
What Are the 6 Types of Working Genius?
The 6 Types of Working Genius identifies six distinct types of talents or strengths that individuals bring to a team during the problem-solving and project execution process. These types are divided into three categories: Ideation, Execution, and Completion, with each category covering two specific roles. The six roles are:
- Genius of Wonder
- Genius of Discernment
- Genius of Completion
- Genius of Execution
- Genius of Enabler
- Genius of Ideas
Each type has its own unique contribution to a team’s success:
1. Genius of Wonder:
The Visionary Thinkers
People with the Genius of Wonder are natural big-picture thinkers. They ask the right questions and challenge the status quo, questioning assumptions to uncover new possibilities. These individuals are crucial in the brainstorming phase of a project, where creativity, innovation, and thinking outside the box are essential. They thrive on imagining what could be, without immediately worrying about how to make it happen.
2. Genius of Discernment:
The Strategic Decision-Makers
These individuals excel at assessing ideas, identifying patterns, and evaluating whether a proposed idea is feasible or viable. The Genius of Discernment helps teams avoid the pitfalls of pursuing unworkable ideas by critically analyzing and filtering concepts before they move to the execution phase. They don’t just judge; they provide the insights that steer projects in the right direction, ensuring resources are used wisely.
3. Genius of Completion:
The Detail-Oriented Executors
Individuals in this category thrive in the final stages of a project, where precision and thoroughness are key. They are responsible for tying up loose ends, reviewing details, and ensuring that the work meets the required standards. Those with the Genius of Completion enjoy refining and finishing projects, ensuring nothing is overlooked and that the result is polished and professional.
4. Genius of Execution:
The Doers
The Genius of Execution role is critical to turning ideas into reality. These are the people who excel at taking an idea or plan and putting it into action. They are highly skilled at organizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and driving projects forward. Their focus is on results, and they thrive when there is a clear direction and measurable objectives to reach.
5. Genius of Enabler:
The Relationship Builders
This role emphasizes the importance of creating trust, fostering collaboration, and communicating effectively within teams. Those with the Genius of Enabler excel at bringing people together and ensuring that all team members are aligned and motivated. They act as the glue that binds teams, ensuring that everyone is engaged, on track, and moving toward the common goal.
6. Genius of Ideas:
The Creative Innovators
The Genius of Ideas represents the individuals who constantly generate new, creative ideas. They bring out-of-the-box solutions to the table, pushing the team to think in unconventional ways. These team members are not afraid to take risks, and they often challenge the status quo with new concepts and approaches.
Why Understanding the 6 Types of Working Genius Matters
1. Optimizing Team Dynamics
When everyone in a team understands their own Working Genius type and the types of their colleagues, they can better appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This awareness helps mitigate friction, miscommunication, and frustration, as team members begin to recognize where each person’s value lies in the process.
For example, if someone is primarily a Genius of Wonder, they may be more comfortable brainstorming and exploring new concepts. However, they might not be as effective when it comes to executing those ideas. By pairing them with someone who excels in Genius of Execution, teams can seamlessly move from creative thinking to practical action.
2. Enhanced Collaboration
By clearly defining roles based on individual Working Genius types, team members can delegate tasks more effectively. Teams will no longer waste time debating who should do what, as everyone will understand their natural fit within the workflow. This allows for smoother transitions from ideation to execution and ensures that projects stay on track.
3. Maximized Productivity
When each team member operates within their area of genius, productivity soars. Teams can move faster, with more confidence, because each individual is playing to their strengths. For example, a Genius of Discernment can quickly assess which ideas are worth pursuing, saving time and resources. Meanwhile, a Genius of Completion ensures the final deliverable is flawless, without overlooking critical details.
4. Reduced Stress and Burnout
Teams that fail to recognize and appreciate their Working Genius types often experience confusion, burnout, and frustration. Those who are placed in roles that don’t align with their natural strengths can quickly become overwhelmed, leading to decreased morale and productivity. When each person is working within their Genius, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and motivated, reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction.
5. Informed Decision-Making
The model helps team leaders make better decisions regarding hiring, project assignment, and team structure. By understanding the Working Genius types of their team members, leaders can assign tasks to individuals who are most suited for them, ensuring that projects are managed more efficiently and effectively.
How to Implement the 6 Types of Working Genius in Your Team
- Take the Assessment: Encourage team members to take the Working Genius assessment to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
- Discuss Results: Hold a team meeting to discuss the results and how everyone’s Working Genius contributes to the team dynamic.
- Assign Roles Strategically: Use the insights from the assessment to assign roles based on each team member’s Genius type. For example, someone who excels in Genius of Wonder might lead brainstorming sessions, while someone with Genius of Execution handles task delegation and progress tracking.
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage team members to collaborate across different Geniuses. A team that includes a mix of Wonder, Discernment, Execution, and Completion types will naturally cover all the bases needed for success.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly revisit the team’s dynamics and adjust roles as needed. Team members may evolve in their roles or acquire new skills that change how they contribute.
Conclusion
The 6 Types of Working Genius model is a powerful tool that can transform team collaboration and productivity. By understanding how each team member naturally contributes to the work process, teams can optimize their workflows, enhance communication, and ultimately achieve better results. Whether you are a team leader or a member, embracing your Working Genius type and respecting the strengths of your colleagues can lead to more efficient, harmonious, and successful teamwork.