The Six Types of Working Genius

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Outline: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

Outline

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1. Introduction

  • Premise: Each person possesses unique “geniuses” or intelligence types that define their natural abilities.
  • Core Idea: Successful teams consist of a mix of these genius types to ensure productivity and individual satisfaction.
  • Origin of the Framework: Introduced through a fable about a businessman who discovers his strengths and those of his team through discussion.

2. The Six Types of Genius

  • Overview: These are natural abilities that align with specific project phases:
    1. Wonder: Identifying opportunities.
    2. Invention: Developing solutions.
    3. Discernment: Evaluating ideas.
    4. Galvanizing: Motivating the team.
    5. Enablement: Providing support.
    6. Tenacity: Executing tasks to completion.
  • Key Insight: Each person excels in only two types, and teams must balance all six for success.

3. The Three Project Stages and Corresponding Geniuses

Lencioni organizes project work into three phases, each requiring a passive and an active genius.

Phase 1: Brainstorming

  • Purpose: Generate ideas and identify opportunities.
  1. Wonder (Passive):
    • Role: Recognizes opportunities for improvement.
    • Example: Suggests lowering prices to gain a competitive edge.
  2. Invention (Active):
    • Role: Proposes creative solutions.
    • Example: Suggests using innovative materials to cut costs.

Phase 2: Set-Up

  • Purpose: Evaluate ideas and mobilize the team.
  1. Discernment (Passive):
    • Role: Vetting ideas for feasibility and practicality.
    • Example: Identifies potential supply chain issues in a proposal.
  2. Galvanizing (Active):
    • Role: Generates excitement and aligns the team.
    • Example: Motivates the team by emphasizing the market disruption potential.

Phase 3: Follow-Through

  • Purpose: Execute and ensure quality.
  1. Enablement (Passive):
    • Role: Offers support where needed.
    • Example: Simplifies technical information for marketing.
  2. Tenacity (Active):
    • Role: Drives tasks to completion, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
    • Example: Oversees the launch of a product to ensure timeliness and precision.

4. Levels of Ability in the Geniuses

  • Three Levels:
    1. Genius: Areas where individuals excel and thrive.
    2. Competency: Areas where individuals are capable but not passionate.
    3. Frustration: Areas that drain energy and lead to dissatisfaction.
  • Implication: Aligning tasks with areas of genius enhances performance and morale while avoiding burnout.

5. Mapping Your Team’s Strengths

  • Process:
    • Create a chart with the six geniuses listed by project phase.
    • Document team members who excel in each genius and those who struggle with it.
  • Purpose: Identify strengths and gaps to reorganize responsibilities or hire strategically.

6. Benefits of the Model

  • Enhanced Leadership: Leaders better understand their team’s abilities.
  • Increased Productivity: Teams focus on strengths, improving efficiency.
  • Improved Morale: Employees feel more fulfilled and less frustrated.
  • Stronger Teamwork: Teams operate cohesively by leveraging individual strengths.

7. Challenges and Broader Context

  • Application Challenges:
    • Identifying accurate genius types for team members.
    • Ensuring balanced team composition.
  • Broader Implications:
    • Aligns with discussions on workplace efficiency and talent management.
    • Highlights the importance of individual contributions to team success.

8. Conclusion

  • Summary: Lencioni’s framework emphasizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing individual strengths within teams for greater success.
  • Outcome: When applied, this model fosters effective teamwork, higher satisfaction, and organizational health.