Exploring the Six Working Geniuses: A Journey Beyond Traditional Assessment Tools

It’s late, and the office is quiet—except for the persistent hum of your own thoughts. The quarterly review slides are open on your screen, each chart and metric a testament to the hours, the hustle, the relentless pursuit of increased productivity. Yet, as you scroll through the numbers, something tugs at the edge of your awareness: a sense that something essential is missing. The data is clean, the KPIs are clear, but the story they tell feels incomplete. Maybe it’s the team member who lights up in brainstorming sessions but fades during execution. Or the project that looked perfect on paper, yet never quite caught fire in reality. Perhaps it’s the gnawing question that surfaces in quiet moments—why do some people seem energized by challenges that leave others drained? Why do certain tasks feel like a natural extension of yourself, while others sap your energy, no matter how skilled you are?

If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. Many leaders, teams, and individuals find themselves caught between what traditional assessment tools measure and what truly drives performance, fulfillment, and collaboration. There’s a gap between the metrics and the meaning—a gap that, if left unexplored, quietly erodes engagement, trust, and potential. If you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond the numbers, this journey into the 6 types of working genius might just be the missing piece.

Beyond the Numbers: The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

Pause for a moment and consider the real currency of your organization—not just revenue or productivity, but energy, trust, and the sense of belonging that fuels true innovation. When we rely solely on traditional assessment tools or a personality test, we risk reducing people to a set of competencies or personality types, missing the deeper currents that shape how work actually gets done. The result? Teams that look good on paper but struggle to ignite, leaders who feel inexplicably isolated, and high performers who quietly disengage, their potential muffled by misfit roles.

The stakes are higher than most of us realize. Research shows that disengagement costs organizations billions each year, but the true toll is more personal: the slow erosion of confidence, the subtle withdrawal from collaboration, the unspoken frustration of feeling unseen or underutilized. When people are forced to operate outside their natural genius for too long, burnout isn’t just a risk—it’s almost inevitable. And when teams are built without regard for the unique ways each member contributes, even the best strategies falter.

This isn’t just about optimizing output. It’s about reclaiming the human heartbeat of work. The 6 types of working genius framework offers a new lens—one that honors not just what people can do, but what energizes them at their core. It’s a chance to bridge the gap between metrics and meaning, to build teams where every member’s genius is not just recognized, but celebrated and strategically unleashed. Because when alignment replaces assumption, the results aren’t just measurable—they’re transformational.

Unveiling the Six Working Geniuses: A New Language for Human Energy

Imagine, for a moment, that every project is a living organism—one that requires not just hands and minds, but a symphony of distinct energies to thrive. Most organizations, however, operate as if every role is interchangeable, as if the spark that ignites a new idea is the same as the fuel that carries it across the finish line. The 6 types of working genius framework disrupts this illusion, offering a vocabulary for the invisible forces that shape how work feels, not just how it gets done.

At its heart, the working genius model reveals that every person possesses two “Geniuses”—types of work that naturally energize them—alongside two “working competencies” (tasks they can do well, but don’t love) and two “working frustrations” (work that drains them, no matter their skill). The 6 types of working genius are Wonder, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity, and Invention. Each is essential, each is different, and none is superior. The magic lies in the mix.

Consider the leader who is a Genius of Wonder and Discernment. She sees possibilities others miss, asking the questions that spark new ideas and sensing which ideas have real potential with uncanny judgment. But when the time comes to rally the troops or drive a project to completion, her energy wanes. In a traditional personality test, she might be labeled “visionary” or “strategic”—but those labels don’t capture the exhaustion she feels when forced to live in the land of execution. Nor do they explain why her team’s best-laid plans sometimes stall, despite her brilliance.

Now, picture a team where each of the 6 types of working genius is present and honored. The Inventors dream up solutions, the Galvanizers rally momentum, the Enablers clear obstacles, and the Tenacious see things through. Suddenly, the friction that once felt personal is revealed as structural—a matter of misaligned genius, not character or commitment. The conversation shifts from “What’s wrong with me (or them)?” to “What’s missing from our mix?”

From Blind Spots to Breakthroughs: The Power of Naming What’s Been Invisible

For years, one client—let’s call him Mark—struggled with a persistent sense of underachievement. He was a high performer by every external measure, but inside, he felt like he was always swimming upstream. His days were filled with meetings, follow-ups, and the relentless grind of project management. It wasn’t until he discovered his 6 types of working genius—Invention and Galvanizing—that the fog began to lift. Mark realized he was spending most of his time in his working frustrations: Enablement and Tenacity. He could support others and finish tasks, but it left him depleted, disconnected from the spark that made him come alive.

The shift was subtle but seismic. With language for his experience, Mark could finally advocate for the kind of work that energized him—and, just as importantly, invite others to step into roles that matched their own types of working genius. The result wasn’t just better performance; it was a palpable sense of relief, a return to flow. The team’s dynamic changed, too. What once felt like a personality clash was reframed as a genius gap, and the solution became a matter of design, not discipline.

This is the quiet revolution of the 6 types of working genius: it gives us permission to stop pretending that all work should feel the same, or that struggle is a sign of weakness. It invites us to see ourselves and each other with new compassion—and to build teams where every kind of genius has a seat at the table.

The Genius Map: Moving from Assumption to Alignment

The real transformation begins when teams map their collective 6 types of working genius. Patterns emerge: the product team that’s heavy on Invention but light on Tenacity, the leadership group with plenty of Galvanizing but little Wonder. These aren’t just quirks—they’re clues. They explain why some initiatives soar while others stall, why certain meetings feel electric and others drag on, why some people seem perpetually energized and others quietly fade.

Armed with this insight, leaders can finally move beyond the tired cycle of “fixing” people to the more powerful work of aligning roles, projects, and expectations with natural genius. It’s not about coddling or lowering the bar; it’s about unleashing the full force of human energy, in all its diversity. When the right types of working genius are in the right seats, friction gives way to flow, and the impossible starts to feel inevitable.

This is the shift: from a world where work is a grind to one where it’s a generative, collaborative dance. From a culture of silent frustration to one of open, strategic celebration. From metrics that measure only the visible to a framework that honors the invisible engines of engagement, fulfillment, and breakthrough.

Turning Insight Into Action: Your Genius in the Wild

Pause for a moment and let the 6 types of working genius framework settle—not as theory, but as a living, breathing part of your daily experience. The working genius model isn’t just a new lens for teams; it’s a mirror for your own work life. The real magic happens when you begin to notice, with gentle curiosity, where your energy rises and where it quietly drains away.

Think back to your last truly satisfying day at work. What were you doing? Were you lost in possibility, asking “what if?” (Wonder), or were you in the thick of building something new from scratch (Invention)? Maybe you were the one who sensed which ideas would actually work (Discernment), or you found yourself rallying the team, turning inertia into momentum (Galvanizing). Perhaps you were the steady hand, clearing obstacles for others (Enablement), or the relentless finisher, driving a project across the finish line (Tenacity). Notice not just what you did, but how it felt. Did time speed up or slow down? Did you leave the day feeling spent or sparked?

Now, consider the flip side. Where do you find yourself procrastinating, feeling inexplicably tired, or quietly frustrated? These aren’t just quirks or flaws—they’re signals. The tasks that drain you may well be your working frustrations, and naming them is the first step toward reclaiming your energy. What if, instead of pushing harder, you could reimagine your role, your collaborations, or even your daily routines to honor your 6 types of working genius more often?

Ask yourself:

Where in my current work am I consistently energized—and where do I feel resistance, no matter how hard I try?
Which projects or meetings leave me feeling most alive? Which ones do I dread, and why?
How often do I get to operate in my types of working genius, and what would it look like to do so more intentionally?

If you lead others, take this reflection a step further. What patterns do you see in your team? Who lights up in brainstorming but fades in follow-through? Who quietly carries the load, enabling others, but rarely gets to initiate or invent? What if your next team meeting included a conversation not just about goals, but about genius—about what truly fuels each person’s best work?

This is where the 6 types of working genius moves from insight to impact. It’s not about changing who you are, but about designing your work—and your team’s work—so that everyone gets to spend more time in their zone of genius. The result isn’t just better performance; it’s a deeper sense of belonging, purpose, and sustainable energy. And it starts with a single, honest question: Where does your genius want to lead you next?

From Awareness to Alignment: The Genius Advantage

If you’ve made it this far, you already sense the difference between a team that simply functions and one that truly flourishes. The 6 types of working genius isn’t just another assessment—it’s a call to honor the unique energy each person brings, and to design work that feels as good as it performs. When we move from assumption to alignment, we don’t just solve problems—we unlock greater potential that was always there, waiting for the right invitation.

Here’s what this journey reveals, in bold strokes:

Genius is not a luxury—it’s the engine of sustainable performance. When people operate in their zones of genius, energy rises, engagement deepens, and results follow.
Misalignment is costly, but it’s not inevitable. The friction, fatigue, and frustration so many teams experience are not personal failings—they’re signals that something structural needs to shift.
Naming your genius is the first step; designing for it is the breakthrough. Insight without action is just another good idea. The real transformation comes when you intentionally shape roles, projects, and conversations around what energizes each person.

If you’re ready to put this into practice, start here:

Map your own 6 types of working genius. Reflect on your last week: When did you feel most alive? Most drained? Write down the tasks or moments that sparked energy—and those that sapped it.
Invite your team to do the same. Share the 6 types of working genius framework and ask each person to identify their Geniuses, working competencies, and working frustrations. Make it a conversation, not a test.
Spot the gaps—and the overlaps. Look for patterns: Are certain types of working genius missing or overrepresented? Where is work getting stuck, and could it be a genius gap rather than a skills gap?
Redesign, even in small ways. Shift responsibilities, rotate roles, or pair people differently so that more time is spent in genius and less in frustration. Even minor tweaks can yield major shifts in energy and results.
Celebrate the diversity of genius. Make it a habit to recognize not just what gets done, but how it gets done—and who made it possible. When every kind of genius is valued, everyone rises.

The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Closer Look at the Model

The 6 types of working genius, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offer a revolutionary approach to understanding how work gets done. Unlike a traditional personality test, the working genius assessment focuses on the specific types of work that energize or drain us. The six types—Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—each represent a unique contribution to the flow of work and the success of any team. The working genius model is not about labeling or limiting people, but about unlocking greater potential and fulfillment by aligning tasks and roles with innate talents.

Wonder is the genius of pondering possibilities and asking big questions. Invention is the genius of creating new ideas and solutions. Discernment is the genius of using uncanny judgment to evaluate ideas and determine what will work. Galvanizing is the genius of rallying others and generating momentum. Enablement is the genius of providing support and removing obstacles. Tenacity is the genius of pushing projects to completion and ensuring results. Each of these types of working genius is essential, and the absence of any can create gaps that hinder productivity and morale.

When teams understand their collective 6 types of working genius, they can intentionally design their workflow to maximize energy and minimize frustration. This is where the role of a working genius certified facilitator or certified working genius facilitator becomes invaluable. These professionals, often trained by the Table Group team, help organizations map their genius, identify working competencies and working frustrations, and create strategies for sustainable success. The impact is not just increased productivity, but a deeper sense of belonging, morale, and organizational health.

Real-World Impact: Stories of Genius in Action

Consider the story of Andrew Laffoon, a leader who leveraged the 6 types of working genius to transform his team’s approach to innovation and execution. By recognizing the unique talents and working genius of each team member, Andrew was able to foster a culture where new ideas were not only welcomed but strategically evaluated and implemented. The result was not just a surge in productivity, but a renewed sense of fulfillment and morale across the organization. This kind of transformation is echoed in organizations like Orangetheory Fitness, where the working genius framework has been used to align roles, boost teamwork, and drive organizational health.

Another example comes from a Vitaspark client who struggled with persistent frustration and burnout. Through the working genius assessment, they discovered that their true genius lay in Discernment and Enablement, but their role required constant Invention and Tenacity. With the help of a certified working genius facilitator, they were able to redesign their responsibilities, leading to increased productivity, greater potential, and a renewed sense of purpose. These stories highlight the power of the 6 types of working genius to unlock hidden talent and drive lasting success.

Why the 6 Types of Working Genius Matter for Leadership Development

Leadership development is often focused on skills and competencies, but the 6 types of working genius reveal that true leadership is about harnessing the innate talents and energy of each individual. Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group have shown that when leaders understand their own working genius and that of their teams, they can create environments where everyone thrives. This approach goes beyond the traditional personality test, offering a dynamic framework for personal discovery, team development, and organizational health.

Leaders who embrace the working genius model are better equipped to identify gaps, prevent burnout, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. By recognizing the value of each type of working genius, they can assign tasks and projects in a way that maximizes energy and minimizes frustration. This not only leads to increased productivity but also enhances morale, fulfillment, and the overall success of the organization. The working genius framework is a powerful tool for unlocking greater potential and driving sustainable growth.

Integrating the Working Genius Model with Team Development

Team development is most effective when it is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique talents and working genius of each member. The 6 types of working genius provide a roadmap for building high-performing teams that are aligned, energized, and resilient. By using the working genius assessment, teams can identify their collective strengths and gaps, enabling them to design workflows that leverage each person’s true genius and working competency.

This approach has been embraced by organizations like Orangetheory Fitness and the Table Group team, who have seen firsthand the impact of aligning roles with the 6 types of working genius. Whether it’s fostering new ideas, driving projects to completion, or supporting one another through challenges, teams that honor the diversity of genius are more likely to achieve lasting success. The role of a working genius certified facilitator or certified working genius facilitator is to guide this process, ensuring that every voice is heard and every talent is utilized.

Personal Discovery and the Path to Fulfillment

The journey to fulfillment begins with personal discovery. The 6 types of working genius offer a powerful lens for understanding what truly energizes and drains us at work. By identifying your own types of working genius, working competencies, and working frustrations, you can make intentional choices about your career, your collaborations, and your daily routines. This process is not about changing who you are, but about honoring your innate talents and designing your work around them.

For individuals, the working genius assessment is a tool for self-awareness and growth. For teams, it is a catalyst for greater potential, morale, and organizational health. The impact of this approach is evident in the stories of leaders like Andrew Laffoon and organizations like Vitaspark, who have used the 6 types of working genius to drive innovation, collaboration, and success. By embracing your true genius and inviting others to do the same, you can create a work environment that is both productive and deeply fulfilling.

Conclusion: The Invitation to Greater Potential

The 6 types of working genius are more than a framework—they are an invitation to lead, work, and live with greater clarity, compassion, and impact. Whether you are a leader, a team member, or an individual seeking personal discovery, the working genius model offers a path to increased productivity, fulfillment, and organizational health. By honoring your innate talents and aligning your work with your true genius, you can unlock greater potential for yourself and those around you.

This journey is not about perfection, but about progress. It is about recognizing the value of every type of working genius and creating space for each person to contribute their best. The stories of Andrew Laffoon, Orangetheory Fitness, and the Table Group team remind us that success is not just about what we achieve, but how we achieve it—through collaboration, innovation, and the celebration of our unique gifts.

If you’re ready to explore your own 6 types of working genius and discover how this framework can transform your team, 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, connection, leadership, and balance begins with a single step. The true genius within you—and your team—is waiting to be unleashed.