Psychology · 2-4 hour workshops or ongoing team coaching

The Six Types of Working Genius

A productivity and team-dynamics framework that identifies six distinct stages of work required to move an idea from conception to completion. It categorizes individual cognitive preferences into areas of genius, competency, or frustration to optimize team performance and personal fulfillment.

When to use The Six Types of Working Genius

Effective during team-building sessions, project kickoffs, leadership development programs, and organizational design initiatives aimed at reducing burnout and increasing efficiency.

How The Six Types of Working Genius works

Facilitators can use this model to audit team composition, structure project workflows, and facilitate 'Working Genius' workshops where participants map their profiles against current team challenges to identify gaps in the project lifecycle.

Phases of The Six Types of Working Genius

  1. Wonder
  2. Invention
  3. Discernment
  4. Galvanizing
  5. Enablement
  6. Tenacity

Key principles

  • The Altitude of Work: Work moves from high-level ideation to ground-level execution.
  • Genius vs. Frustration: Individuals have natural talents that energize them and 'frustrations' that drain their cognitive resources.
  • The Full Lifecycle: Every successful project requires all six geniuses to be present and active at the appropriate stage.
  • Team Balance: High-performing teams ensure representation across all six types to avoid 'cracks' in the workflow.

Best for

  • Team Development
  • Productivity Optimization
  • Self-Awareness
  • Workflow Design

Considerations

  • Should not be used as a pre-employment screening tool.
  • Requires psychological safety for team members to admit their areas of frustration.
  • Success depends on the team's ability to shift 'altitude' collectively as a project progresses.

Attribution & sources

Developed by Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group, 2020

Primary source

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