“Discovering Your Inner Architect: The Six Types of Working Genius”

There’s a moment in nearly every professional’s journey when the workday feels like a puzzle with a few crucial pieces missing. The calendar is packed, the inbox is overflowing, and yet, beneath the surface, there’s a quiet ache—a sense that something essential is out of sync. It’s not just about being busy. It’s about feeling as if the work you’re doing is asking you to be someone you’re not, or to stretch into shapes that don’t quite fit. Maybe you’ve noticed it in the way you light up during certain projects, only to feel drained or frustrated by others. Or perhaps it’s the subtle envy that creeps in when you watch a colleague thrive in a role that would leave you exhausted. There’s a nagging question that lingers at the edge of your awareness: Why does some work feel effortless, even energizing, while other tasks leave you depleted, no matter how hard you try?

For some, this disconnect shows up as working frustration. For others, it’s a quiet resignation—a sense of going through the motions, waiting for the weekend, or wondering if you’re in the wrong job altogether. The truth is, it’s not just about the work itself. It’s about the unique way you’re wired to contribute, to solve, to build. And until you see that clearly, every day can feel like a puzzle with a few crucial pieces missing. If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. And what comes next might just help you find those missing pieces—and finally see the bigger picture of your working genius.

The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

It’s easy to dismiss that sense of disconnection as just part of modern work life—a side effect of too many meetings, too much noise, or not enough caffeine. But beneath the surface, something deeper is at play. When the work we do is out of sync with the way we’re wired to contribute, the cost isn’t just personal frustration. It’s a slow erosion of energy, creativity, and trust—both in ourselves and in our teams. Consider the ripple effect: When you’re forced to operate outside your natural strengths, every task takes more effort. The spark of innovation dims. Collaboration becomes strained, as misunderstandings and unmet expectations pile up. Over time, this misalignment doesn’t just sap your motivation—it can quietly undermine the culture of an entire organization. Teams that don’t understand or honor each other’s working genius often fall into cycles of blame, disengagement, or quiet quitting. The result? Lost potential, missed opportunities, and a workplace that feels more like a grind than a place of growth.

But the stakes are even higher on a personal level. When you spend your days in roles that don’t fit, self-doubt creeps in. You start to question your value, your competence, even your sense of purpose. The work becomes transactional, stripped of meaning. And yet, the solution isn’t simply to work harder or push through. It’s to step back and ask: What if the problem isn’t you—but the way your genius is being used, or overlooked, altogether? Understanding your working genius isn’t just a productivity hack. It’s a path to reclaiming your energy, your confidence, and your sense of belonging at work. Because when you finally see how you’re uniquely built to contribute, everything changes—not just for you, but for everyone around you.

Unveiling the Six Geniuses: The Blueprint Beneath the Surface

Imagine, for a moment, that every thriving team or project is like a beautifully constructed building. Some people are drawn to the blank page, dreaming up what could be. Others see the gaps and ask the questions no one else dares to voice. Some roll up their sleeves, eager to turn ideas into action, while others find their flow in the details, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. The truth is, every great outcome is the result of a hidden architecture—a blend of distinct, essential forms of genius.

Patrick Lencioni’s working genius model, developed with the Table Group, names these 6 types of working genius: Wonder, Discernment, Invention, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. Each is a unique way of contributing, a particular energy that, when honored, transforms not just what gets done, but how it feels to do it. Let’s step into each one—not as abstract labels, but as living, breathing energies you’ve likely felt (or longed for) in your own work.

The Genius of Wonder: The Visionary’s Spark

Some people are wired to see what’s missing. They’re the ones who pause, look at the status quo, and ask, “Is this really the best we can do?” The Genius of Wonder is the birthplace of possibility. It’s the quiet, persistent curiosity that refuses to settle, the hunger to imagine a better way. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about what could be—feeling restless in the face of complacency—you’ve touched this genius. But in many organizations, Wonder is undervalued. The relentless pace of business leaves little room for open-ended questions. Yet, without this spark, teams risk stagnation. The absence of Wonder is the absence of vision. This is the first of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s essential for leadership development and organizational health.

The Genius of Discernment: The Intuitive Editor

Where Wonder dreams, Discernment decides. This genius is the ability to sense what will work and what won’t, often without needing all the data. It’s a gut-level wisdom, honed by experience and intuition—what some call uncanny judgment. The person with Discernment can walk into a meeting, hear a dozen ideas, and zero in on the one with real potential. They’re the trusted advisor, the one others turn to for a reality check. Discernment is often mistaken for skepticism, but it’s not about shooting down ideas—it’s about refining them. When this genius is missing, teams chase every shiny object, wasting time and energy on paths that lead nowhere. This is the second of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s a vital working competency for any team.

The Genius of Invention: The Creative Builder

Invention is the engine of creation. It’s the drive to build something new, to solve problems with fresh solutions. People with this genius thrive on brainstorming, prototyping, and experimenting. They’re energized by the blank canvas, the unsolved puzzle, and the opportunity to bring new ideas to life. But invention without boundaries can lead to chaos. When teams lack this genius, they recycle old solutions, missing out on innovation. When it’s overemphasized, they risk reinventing the wheel, never settling on a finished product. Invention is the third of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s the birthplace of disruptive geniuses and true genius.

The Genius of Galvanizing: The Catalyst

Some people have a gift for rallying others. Galvanizing is the genius of mobilization—the ability to inspire, motivate, and get things moving. These are the people who turn ideas into action, who see potential and can’t help but gather a team to pursue it. Without Galvanizing, even the best ideas languish. Projects stall, enthusiasm wanes, and momentum is lost. But when this genius is present, energy is contagious, and progress accelerates. Galvanizing is the fourth of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s essential for team development and increased productivity.

The Genius of Enablement: The Supportive Force

Enablement is the genius of support. It’s the instinct to help, to respond to the needs of others, to make things possible. People with this genius are the glue of any team—they listen, encourage, and step in where needed, often without being asked. Enablement is sometimes dismissed as “just being helpful,” but it’s so much more. Without it, teams fracture. People feel isolated, unsupported, and overwhelmed. With it, collaboration flourishes. Enablement is the fifth of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s a core working competency for organizational health and morale.

The Genius of Tenacity: The Finisher

Finally, there’s Tenacity—the genius of completion. These are the people who see things through, who take satisfaction in crossing the finish line. They’re relentless in pursuit of results, holding themselves and others accountable for follow-through. When Tenacity is missing, projects linger in limbo. Deadlines slip, and the final 10% never gets done. But with it, teams deliver. Goals are met, promises are kept, and the work is truly finished. Tenacity is the sixth of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s the thing that ensures success and fulfillment.

Each of these six types of working genius is essential. None is better or more important than the others. The magic happens when you discover which ones are yours—and which are missing from your team’s architecture. Because when you align your work with your genius, you don’t just get more done. You come alive. And when teams honor every form of genius, the puzzle pieces finally fit.

Finding Your Genius in the Flow of Your Day

Pause for a moment and look back at your last week. Not just the meetings and deadlines, but the moments that left a mark—good or bad. Where did you feel most alive, most yourself? Was it in the quiet before a project began, when you could dream up new ideas and possibilities? Or did you find your energy in the thick of collaboration, rallying others to a cause? Maybe your satisfaction came at the end, when you could finally check the last box and see the results of your persistence.

This is where the 6 types of working genius move from theory to truth. They aren’t abstract categories—they’re the fingerprints you leave on your work, the subtle clues in your energy, your frustration, your joy. The invitation is to notice, without judgment, where your natural genius shows up and where it feels absent.

Ask yourself:

• Which parts of your work do you anticipate with excitement, and which do you quietly dread?
• When do you lose track of time because you’re so engaged, and when does every minute feel heavy?
• Where do colleagues or friends come to you for help—and what do they thank you for most often?

Sometimes, the clues are in your resistance. If you find yourself procrastinating on certain tasks, it may not be laziness—it may be a sign that you’re operating outside your genius. Conversely, the work that feels effortless, that leaves you energized rather than depleted, is often a direct line to your unique contribution. If you lead a team, notice these patterns in others. Who lights up in brainstorming sessions? Who brings clarity when things get murky? Who quietly ensures nothing falls through the cracks? The genius isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the steady presence that keeps everything moving forward.

The real shift begins when you give yourself permission to honor these truths. To stop apologizing for the work that drains you, and to start seeking out—or shaping—roles that let your genius shine. It’s not about escaping all discomfort, but about aligning more of your day with the work that brings you alive. Because when you do, you don’t just change your own experience. You become a catalyst for clarity, energy, and trust in everyone around you.

The Blueprint for Realignment

When you understand your working genius, you’re not just collecting another personality test label—you’re reclaiming the architecture of your work life. The puzzle pieces start to click into place. You see, with new clarity, why some days feel like a grind and others like a flow state. You recognize the invisible threads that connect your energy, your satisfaction, and your impact. This isn’t about chasing perfection or escaping every challenge. It’s about honoring the truth of how you’re built—and giving yourself permission to design your work (and your team’s work) around that truth. When you do, you unlock not just productivity, but a deeper sense of belonging and purpose.

Here’s what to remember as you move forward:

• Your genius is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The work that energizes you is the work you’re meant to do more of, not less.
• Misalignment is a signal, not a flaw. Frustration and fatigue are often signs you’re operating outside your genius, not evidence that you’re failing.
• Every team needs all six geniuses. The most resilient, innovative teams are those that honor and integrate every type—not just the loudest or most visible.
• You have permission to redesign. Whether it’s a small shift in your daily tasks or a bigger conversation about your role, you can advocate for more alignment.
• Awareness is the first step to change. Noticing your patterns—without judgment—is the foundation for real transformation.

The architecture of great work isn’t built in a day. But every moment you spend honoring your genius is a brick in the foundation of a more fulfilling, sustainable, and impactful career. The 6 types of working genius, as outlined by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, are more than a framework—they are a roadmap to greater potential, increased productivity, and true fulfillment. Whether you’re an individual seeking personal discovery, a leader focused on team development, or an organization striving for organizational health, the working genius model offers a new lens for understanding talent, teamwork, and success.

From Insight to Action: Applying the 6 Types of Working Genius

Understanding the 6 types of working genius is only the beginning. The real transformation happens when you apply these insights to your daily work, your team, and your organization. Start by reflecting on your own working genius. Which of the 6 types feels most natural to you? Where do you experience working frustration? Notice the tasks that drain you and the ones that energize you. This self-awareness is the foundation for personal discovery and greater potential.

For leaders, the working genius framework is a powerful tool for team development. By recognizing the unique genius of each team member, you can assign tasks and projects that align with their strengths, boosting morale and increasing productivity. The working genius assessment, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, is a practical way to identify your team’s collective genius and spot any gaps in your working competencies. When every type of working genius is represented and honored, teamwork becomes seamless, and the results speak for themselves.

Organizations that embrace the working genius model see a shift in culture. Working frustrations decrease, and individuals feel seen and valued for their innate talents. This leads to higher morale, better retention, and a culture of trust. The Table Group team and working genius certified facilitators can guide you through this process, helping you unlock the full potential of your people and your organization. Whether you’re at Orangetheory Fitness, a tech startup, or a nonprofit, the principles remain the same: honor every type of working genius, and you’ll unlock greater potential and true genius in your team.

Stories of Transformation: The Power of the Working Genius Model

Consider the story of a leader at Vitaspark, a company that had been struggling with stalled projects and low morale. After introducing the working genius assessment, the team discovered that while they had plenty of Invention and Galvanizing, they were missing Enablement and Tenacity. By bringing in a certified working genius facilitator, they realigned roles and responsibilities, ensuring that every type of working genius was represented. The result? Projects moved forward with new energy, working frustrations decreased, and the team experienced a renewed sense of fulfillment and success.

Another example comes from Orangetheory Fitness, where the working genius framework helped identify hidden talents within the team. By recognizing the value of Wonder and Discernment, the organization was able to foster greater innovation and avoid the pitfalls of groupthink. The impact was clear: increased productivity, higher morale, and a culture where every individual felt empowered to contribute their unique genius.

These stories are not isolated. Across industries and organizations, the 6 types of working genius are transforming the way teams approach work, collaboration, and leadership development. The working genius model is more than a personality test—it’s a blueprint for unlocking innate talents, building trust, and achieving greater potential.

Integrating the 6 Types of Working Genius for Lasting Change

As you reflect on your own journey, consider how the 6 types of working genius show up in your daily work. Are you honoring your true genius, or are you stuck in roles that drain your energy? Are you leveraging the full spectrum of working competencies within your team, or are there gaps that lead to frustration and missed opportunities? The invitation is to move from awareness to action. Take the working genius assessment, engage with a certified working genius facilitator, and start the conversation with your team. The Table Group team and working genius certified facilitators are ready to support you on this path to greater potential, increased productivity, and true fulfillment.

Remember, the journey to alignment is ongoing. It requires courage, curiosity, and a willingness to see yourself—and your team—with new eyes. But the rewards are profound: confidence, clarity, connection, leadership, and balance. As Pat Lencioni and Andrew Laffoon have shown, when you align your work with your true genius, you don’t just achieve more—you become more. And that’s the thing that changes everything, from Orangetheory Fitness to the most disruptive geniuses in any field.

Take the Next Step: Connect for Clarity and Growth

You have the power to change the way you work, lead, and live. The 6 types of working genius are not just a framework—they are an invitation to greater potential, deeper fulfillment, and lasting success. If you’re ready to explore your team’s alignment, unlock your innate talents, and build a culture where every type of working genius is honored, we invite you to connect with us. Schedule a time to discuss your team with our CEO using this link: https://tidycal.com/1v9o66m/vstoolkit.

Your next chapter of confidence, clarity, and connection begins with a single step. Let’s build it together—one genius, one team, one breakthrough at a time.