The Six Types of Working Genius

Christine Courtney
Christine Courtney

Organizing others to take action is a key component of effective leadership, as demonstrated by management consultant Patrick Lencioni in his work on team dynamics. It can help a lot to get other people's perspectives and expertise on an idea or project. Completing projects or tasks is crucial for achieving results and maximizing the potential and opportunity within a given situation. The genius of tenacity, or the ability to persevere and stay focused in the face of challenges, is an invaluable trait for anyone looking to succeed in their endeavors.

Intuitively and instinctively evaluating ideas and situations can help leaders identify the most promising opportunities and make informed decisions. Each person has their own areas of working genius, or areas in which they excel and make significant contributions. These may include the genius of invention, the ability to generate original and novel ideas and solutions, or the genius of enablement, the ability to facilitate and support the success of others.

The Table Group, a management consulting firm, has developed a framework for identifying different types of working genius, including the genius of execution, the genius of relationships, and the genius of strategy. By understanding and leveraging these unique strengths, individuals and teams can achieve greater success and fulfillment.

Rallying and inspiring others, providing encouragement and assistance, and fostering a sense of joy and energy in the workplace can all contribute to a culture of 

collaboration and achievement. By embracing and utilizing the various forms of working genius, organizations can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness.

The Six types of working Genius

Working Genius - Wonder

Wonder

The Genius of Wonder, or the ability to speculate and question to generate new ideas and possibilities, is a valuable trait in any organization. A natural curiosity drives these individuals and a desire to understand the world around them. They are often drawn to fields that allow them to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what is known.

In the workplace, people with the Genius of Wonder can be a valuable asset in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. They may challenge assumptions and ask difficult questions to identify opportunities for improvement and progress. Their ability to think outside the box and consider alternative perspectives can help generate original and novel solutions to complex problems.

In addition to their role in driving innovation, individuals with the Genius of Wonder can also play a crucial role in helping teams navigate ambiguity and uncertainty. By questioning and exploring different possibilities, they can help teams stay open to new ideas and approaches, even in the face of challenges.

The Genius of Wonder is a powerful force for driving change and progress 

in any organization. By embracing and nurturing this form of working genius, leaders and teams can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness.

Invention


The Genius of Invention, or the ability to generate original and novel ideas and solutions, is a key component of innovation and progress in any organization. Individuals with this form of working genius are driven by a desire to take on challenges and create something new and meaningful. Their creativity often characterizes them, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills.

In the workplace, people with the Genius of Invention can be a valuable asset in driving change and progress. They may excel at brainstorming sessions and coming up with creative approaches to complex problems. Their ability to think outside the box and consider alternative perspectives can help teams identify new opportunities and develop innovative solutions.

It's important to note that the Genius of Invention is one of many forms of working genius, and all six geniuses are needed to get work done effectively. For example, the Genius of Execution, or the ability to implement ideas and achieve results, is crucial for turning innovative ideas into reality. Similarly, the Genius of Strategy, or the ability to think long-term and plan for the future, can help teams align their efforts and resources in pursuit of their goals.

Overall, the Genius of Invention is an invaluable trait for anyone looking to drive innovation and progress in

 their organization. By embracing and utilizing this form of working genius, leaders and teams can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness.

Discernment

The Genius of Discernment, or the ability to evaluate the workability of ideas and recognize patterns, is a valuable trait in any organization. Individuals with this form of working genius can intuitively and instinctively assess ideas and situations, and identify the most promising opportunities. They may excel at analyzing data and information, and using this to inform their decision-making.

In the workplace, people with the Genius of Discernment can be a valuable asset in helping teams make informed decisions and identify new opportunities. They may serve as curators of information, gathering and synthesizing data from various sources to provide context and insights to others. Their ability to connect the dots and see patterns can help teams understand complex issues and identify new approaches to addressing them.

In addition to their role in analysis and decision-making, individuals with the Genius of Discernment can also play a crucial role in providing feedback and guidance to others. By offering thoughtful and insightful feedback, they can help others improve and grow, and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and development.

Overall, the Genius of Discernment is a powerful force for driving progress and success 

in any organization. By embracing and utilizing this form of working genius, leaders and teams can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness.

Galvanizing 

The Genius of Galvanizing, or the ability to inspire and motivate others to take action, is a valuable trait in any organization. Individuals with this form of working genius are driven by a desire to get things moving and make progress. They are often characterized by their enthusiasm, charisma, and ability to rally others around a shared goal or vision.

In the workplace, people with the Genius of Galvanizing can be a valuable asset in driving change and achieving results. They may excel at inspiring and motivating teams to take on new challenges and push themselves out of their comfort zone. Their ability to rally others around a shared goal or vision can help create a sense of purpose and unity within a team.

In addition to their role in inspiring and motivating others, individuals with the Genius of Galvanizing can also play a crucial role in organizing and coordinating efforts. By effectively mobilizing resources and aligning teams towards a common goal, they can help ensure that progress is made efficiently and effectively.

Overall, the Genius of Galvanizing is an invaluable trait for anyone looking to drive progress and achieve success in

 their organization. By embracing and utilizing this form of working genius, leaders and teams can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness.

Enablement

The Genius of Enablement, or the ability to facilitate and support the success of others, is a valuable trait in any organization. Individuals with this form of working genius are driven by a desire to help others achieve their goals and realize their potential. Their ability often characterizes them to identify and provide the resources and support needed to move ideas and solutions forward.

In the workplace, people with the Genius of Enablement can be a valuable asset in helping teams achieve success. They may excel at identifying and addressing any obstacles or challenges that may be preventing progress, and providing the necessary support and resources to overcome them. Their people-oriented approach and desire to help others can create a sense of collaboration and teamwork within a team.

In addition to their role in facilitating and supporting the success of others, individuals with the Genius of Enablement can also play a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships. By effectively communicating and collaborating with others, they can help foster trust and cooperation within a team.

Overall, the Genius of Enablement is an invaluable trait for anyone looking to drive progress and achieve success in their organization. By embracing and utilizing this form of working genius, leaders and teams can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness.

Tenacity

The Genius of Tenacity, or the ability to persevere and stay focused in the face of challenges, is a valuable trait in any organization. Individuals with this form of working genius are driven by a desire to complete tasks and achieve results, and are characterized by their determination and focus. They may excel at staying organized and on track, and ensuring that projects are completed to the agreed-upon standards.

In the workplace, people with the Genius of Tenacity can be a valuable asset in driving progress and achieving success. They may excel at staying focused on the details and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Their ability to stay organized and on track can help teams stay aligned and make progress towards their goals.

In addition to their role in driving progress and achieving results, individuals with the Genius of Tenacity can also play a crucial role in maintaining standards and quality. By ensuring that projects are completed to the agreed-upon standards, they can help ensure that the work has the desired impact and meets the needs of stakeholders.

Overall, the Genius of Tenacity is an invaluable trait for anyone looking to drive progress and achieve success in their organization. By embracing and utilizing this form of working genius, leaders and teams can tap into their full potential and achieve greatness

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Christine Courtney

By Christine Courtney

Christine is the President of The Leadership Program (TLP). Additionally, she teaches workshops for companies and coach’s leaders inside her company and out. Christine has an obsessive passion for helping people step into their leadership and make positive change in their lives and in the world. She completed Stanford University's Executive Leadership Program, a CEO member of Vistage and Chief and a graduate of The University of the Arts. Her other roles have included mom, spouse, soccer coach, block party organizer and chief dishwasher. The Leadership Program has been providing leadership development training for 30 years. Their facilitators are a magical combination of educator, business leader, and performer. They are highly sought after for keynote addresses and conference workshops nationwide. They help companies small and large find dynamic ways to engage employees in continued learning. Their clients include Brooklyn Brewery, PwC, DBI, Visa, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Facebook, Mount Sinai, Tradeweb and more. They also work with thousands of NYC public school kids every week bringing leadership development and social emotional learning into classrooms and afterschool clubs through arts and sports programs.