What if your “productivity problem” wasn’t about time management—but about misaligned energy?

At some point, every leader I coach hits the same wall: the frustration of constantly feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or burnt out. Often, they’ve spent years pushing through roles or responsibilities that simply don’t match how they’re wired to thrive.

That’s where The Six Types of Working Genius comes in.

This tool—developed by Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group—has changed the way I work, lead, and live. Not just for me, but for the leaders and teams I support. It gives us language and insight to work smarter, build healthier teams, and lead with confidence.

What Is the Working Genius?

It’s not a personality test. It’s a productivity framework.

The Working Genius identifies how you naturally contribute to work, broken into three stages:

• Ideation (What’s the opportunity?)
• Activation (How do we get going?)
• Implementation (How do we finish strong?)

Within those stages are six genius types—each representing a different way people bring value to the table.

Everyone has:

• Two Geniuses (where you thrive)
• Two Competencies (you can do, but they drain you over time)
• Two Frustrations (the work you’re least suited for)

Understanding that balance is game-changing. For yourself—and for your team.

The Six Geniuses (and How They Show Up in Leadership)

1. Wonder – The Genius of Possibility

This is the person always asking, “Is there a better way?” They love reflection, big questions, and sensing potential gaps. Leaders with this genius tend to be visionary, curious, and often ahead of the curve—but may feel stuck when no one else sees what they see.

2. Discernment – The Genius of Intuition

This leader just knows when something is right. They synthesize, sense patterns, and make sound judgments without needing all the data. They often play a critical role in vetting ideas before a team goes all-in.

3. Galvanizing – The Genius of Rallying

If you’ve ever been moved into action by someone’s passion, you’ve met a Galvanizer. They inspire, align, and get people moving. Leaders strong in this genius love momentum—but can get impatient when others aren’t ready to act.

4. Enablement – The Genius of Support

These leaders say, “I’ve got you.” They respond to the needs of others with flexibility and heart. They make people feel seen, supported, and set up for success. But when underappreciated, they risk burnout.

5. Tenacity – The Genius of Completion

This is the follow-through genius. The finisher. The checklist slayer. These leaders don’t just start projects—they make sure they’re executed to the end. They bring rigor, accountability, and structure that teams rely on.

6. Invention – The Genius of Creativity

Need a fresh idea or new approach? Call on an Inventor. They’re the creative spark, always generating original solutions. But without good Discernment or Tenacity around them, they might leave a trail of half-finished brilliance.

Why This Matters for Leadership

It’s not just about being productive—it’s about being aligned.

When we work from our Genius, we feel energized. Empowered. In flow. When we operate from our frustrations too often, we feel drained, resentful, or stuck.

Teams suffer when everyone is doing everything—and no one is doing the work they’re wired for. But when teams know each other’s genius zones? That’s where magic happens.

One leader I coached realized she was spending 80% of her time in Galvanizing and Enablement (her frustrations), trying to be everyone’s cheerleader and helper. But her true genius was Wonder and Discernment. Once she shifted her role and made space for others to step in, her energy—and impact—skyrocketed.

So… What’s Your Genius?

This tool isn’t just a framework. It’s a mirror. And a map.

If you’re curious to explore your Working Genius, I’d love to walk you through it. As a certified facilitator, I help leaders and teams decode their genius, redesign their workflows, and communicate with more clarity, trust, and ease.

Because leadership isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing where you shine.