“The DNA of Productivity: Uncover the Six Types of Working Genius”

It’s 4:37 p.m. The meeting just ended, but your mind is still spinning. There’s a half-written proposal on your screen, a calendar packed with back-to-back calls, and a creeping sense that—despite all the motion—something essential is missing. Maybe it’s the frustration of watching a project stall, or the quiet envy as a colleague seems to breeze through tasks that leave you drained. Perhaps it’s the nagging question: “Why does this feel so much harder for me than it does for them?”

In the quiet moments between deadlines, you might wonder if you’re simply not cut out for this pace, or if you’re missing some secret ingredient that others seem to possess. The truth is, most of us have been taught to chase productivity as if it’s a single, universal formula—one that rewards hustle, grit, and relentless output. But what if the real reason for your exhaustion isn’t a lack of effort, but a mismatch between the work you’re doing and the way you’re wired to work best? The 6 types of working genius, as described by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offer a new lens for understanding why some tasks drain us while others make us come alive.

If any of this lands close to home, keep reading. The next few minutes might just reveal the missing piece you’ve been searching for.

Beyond Busyness: The Hidden Cost of Misaligned Work

We live in a world that worships busyness. Our calendars overflow, our inboxes multiply, and our to-do lists stretch into infinity. But beneath the surface of all this activity, something quieter—and far more consequential—is at play. When the work we do every day doesn’t align with our innate talents, the cost isn’t just fatigue. It’s a slow erosion of confidence, creativity, and even trust—both in ourselves and in our teams.

Consider the ripple effect: A leader who thrives on new ideas and ideation is forced to grind through endless details. A team member who excels at finishing projects is left out of the early brainstorming, their energy untapped until the final hour. Over time, frustration builds. Projects stall, not because people aren’t trying, but because the right types of working genius are missing at the right moment. The result? Missed opportunities, simmering resentment, and a culture where people quietly question their own value.

This isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a systemic one. Research from the Table Group team shows that when individuals operate outside their natural genius for too long, engagement plummets and burnout soars. Teams lose their edge. Organizations settle for “good enough” instead of extraordinary. The real tragedy isn’t that we’re not working hard enough—it’s that we’re not working in the ways that make us come alive. And until we understand the unique DNA of our own productivity—our 6 types of working genius—we’ll keep mistaking motion for progress, and effort for fulfillment.

Cracking the Code: The Six Faces of Working Genius

Imagine, for a moment, that productivity isn’t a single lane highway, but a vibrant city with six distinct neighborhoods—each with its own energy, rhythm, and hidden treasures. This is the world of the 6 types of working genius, developed by Patrick Lencioni and his Table Group team. It’s not just another personality test or productivity hack. It’s a map of how real work gets done, and why some parts of the journey feel like flying while others feel like wading through mud.

At its core, the working genius framework reveals that every project, every initiative, and every meaningful piece of work moves through six essential stages. Each stage is powered by a different type of “genius”—a natural, almost effortless way of contributing that, when tapped, feels both energizing and deeply satisfying. The 6 types of working genius are: Wonder, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity, and Invention. Each of us has two that come naturally (our working genius), two that are neutral (our working competencies), and two that drain us (our working frustrations). The magic—and the misery—of work often comes down to whether we’re spending our days in our zone of genius, or stuck in someone else’s.

Let’s bring this to life. Picture a team launching a new product. The process begins with someone who lives in the land of Wonder—the person who asks, “Is there a better way? What’s missing?” Their curiosity opens the door to new ideas. Next comes Discernment, the genius of gut-level evaluation: “Is this idea any good? Does it make sense?” Invention follows, bringing raw creativity and solutions to the table. But ideas alone don’t move the needle. Enter Galvanizing—the spark that rallies the troops, ignites enthusiasm, and gets people moving. Enablement steps in to support, encourage, and remove obstacles, ensuring momentum isn’t lost. Finally, Tenacity brings it home, driving the project across the finish line with relentless follow-through.

When all 6 types of working genius are present and honored, work flows. When one is missing—or when someone is forced to operate outside their genius for too long—friction builds. The product launch stalls, not because of laziness or incompetence, but because the team is missing a vital piece of the puzzle.

The Genius Blind Spot: Why We Miss What Matters Most

Here’s the twist: most of us are blind to our own genius. We undervalue what comes easily, assuming it must be easy for everyone. The leader who effortlessly spots patterns and possibilities (Wonder) may dismiss their gift as “just thinking out loud.” The team member who can’t help but finish what others start (Tenacity) might see themselves as merely “the closer,” not realizing how rare and essential their drive truly is.

This blindness isn’t just personal—it’s cultural. Many organizations reward certain types of working genius (often Galvanizing or Tenacity) while overlooking others. The result? People contort themselves to fit roles that drain them, while their true genius goes unnoticed. Over time, this misalignment breeds quiet disengagement and a sense of being perpetually out of step.

But when you finally see your genius—and the genius of those around you—something shifts. The frustration of “Why can’t I just power through this?” gives way to the clarity of “This isn’t my genius, and that’s okay.” Teams begin to design work intentionally, matching people to projects not just by skill, but by the kind of energy and contribution that lights them up. The result isn’t just increased productivity—it’s a deeper sense of belonging and purpose.

From Friction to Flow: Rewriting the Rules of Teamwork

Let’s return to our product launch. Imagine what happens when each stage is owned by someone operating in their genius. The person of Wonder frames the opportunity. Discernment refines the idea with uncanny judgment. Invention crafts the solution, bringing disruptive geniuses to the table. Galvanizing rallies the team, infusing morale and energy. Enablement clears the path, supporting the team with their unique talent. Tenacity delivers the result, ensuring success and completion.

This isn’t a utopian fantasy—it’s a practical blueprint. In my work as a certified working genius facilitator, I’ve seen the transformation firsthand. Take the story of a nonprofit executive, exhausted by years of trying to “do it all.” When she discovered her true genius was Galvanizing and Enablement—not Tenacity—she stopped berating herself for unfinished details and started building a team that could carry projects across the finish line. The shift was immediate: less guilt, more impact, and a team that finally felt whole.

The DNA of productivity isn’t about squeezing more hours from tired minds. It’s about honoring the unique genius in each of us, and building systems that let that genius shine. When we do, work stops being a grind—and starts becoming a source of genuine fulfillment.

Finding Your Genius in the Everyday

Pause for a moment. Before you rush to diagnose your team or overhaul your workflow, let’s bring this closer to home. The 6 types of working genius model isn’t just a tool for managers or HR—it’s a mirror for anyone who’s ever wondered why some days feel electric and others feel like wading through wet cement. The first step isn’t to change your job or your team, but to notice: Where does your energy rise, and where does it quietly drain away?

Think back to your last truly satisfying day at work. What were you doing? Were you dreaming up new ideas, or refining someone else’s idea until it sparkled with uncanny judgment? Did you find yourself rallying others to a cause, or quietly smoothing the path so the team could move forward? These moments aren’t random—they’re clues to your unique genius. And just as telling are the days when you felt stuck, resentful, or invisible. What kind of work were you doing then? Which part of the process left you depleted, no matter how hard you tried?

If you’re not sure, try this: Over the next week, jot down the moments when you feel most alive at work—and the ones that leave you sighing with relief when they’re over. Notice the patterns. Are you energized by asking big questions (Wonder), or by making the final push to completion (Tenacity)? Do you light up when you’re inventing, discerning, galvanizing, or enabling? There’s no right answer—only your answer.

Now, ask yourself: Where in your current role are you spending the most time? Is it in your zone of genius, or in the areas that drain you? If the balance is off, what small shifts could you make? Maybe it’s swapping a recurring task with a teammate whose genius complements yours. Maybe it’s simply naming your strengths in your next team meeting, or asking for support where you need it most. Sometimes, the most powerful change begins with a single, honest conversation—first with yourself, then with those around you.

This is the invitation: to see your work not as a test of endurance, but as a canvas for your unique contribution. The more you honor your genius—and the genius of others—the more work becomes not just productive, but profoundly meaningful.

The New Blueprint for Fulfillment

If you’ve made it this far, you already sense it: productivity isn’t about squeezing more out of yourself or your team. It’s about aligning the work with the way you—and those around you—are wired to thrive. The 6 types of working genius model isn’t just a framework; it’s a permission slip to stop contorting yourself into someone else’s mold and start building a life and career that honors your true strengths.

When you recognize your own genius, you reclaim energy that was once lost to frustration and self-doubt. When you see the genius in others, you unlock a new level of trust, collaboration, and possibility. This is how teams move from friction to flow, and how individuals rediscover the joy that first drew them to their work.

Here’s what to remember as you move forward:

• Productivity is personal. The work that drains you may be the very thing that energizes someone else. Honor that difference.
• Misalignment is costly. When you spend too much time outside your genius, burnout and disengagement are inevitable—not a sign of weakness, but a signal for change.
• Every genius matters. No stage of work is more important than another. Progress depends on honoring each contribution, in its time.
• Small shifts create big change. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start by noticing, naming, and sharing your genius—and inviting others to do the same.
• Fulfillment follows alignment. When you work in your zone of genius, productivity becomes sustainable, and meaning returns to the center of your day.

Unlocking the 6 Types of Working Genius: A Closer Look

The 6 types of working genius—Wonder, Discernment, Invention, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—are not just abstract concepts. Each one is a living, breathing part of how work gets done. Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group have shown that when teams understand and honor these types of working genius, they unlock greater potential and create a culture where every individual can thrive.

Wonder is the genius of asking big questions and seeing what others miss. Discernment is the genius of uncanny judgment, knowing which ideas are worth pursuing. Invention is the genius of creating new ideas and solutions. Galvanizing is the genius of rallying others and building morale. Enablement is the genius of providing support and removing obstacles. Tenacity is the genius of finishing strong and ensuring success. Each of these 6 types is essential for organizational health and leadership development.

When you take the working genius assessment, you discover your two areas of working genius, your working competencies, and your working frustrations. This personal discovery is a game-changer for individuals and teams alike. It’s not about labeling or limiting yourself—it’s about understanding where your energy comes from and where it quietly slips away. The working genius model is a powerful tool for team development, leadership development, and organizational health.

Real Stories: The Power of the Working Genius Framework

As a working genius certified facilitator, I’ve witnessed the transformation that comes from embracing the 6 types of working genius. One client, a leader at Orangetheory Fitness, struggled for years with the feeling that she was always behind. After taking the working genius assessment, she realized her true genius was in Galvanizing and Enablement—not Tenacity. By shifting her focus and building a team that complemented her strengths, she experienced increased productivity, greater fulfillment, and a renewed sense of confidence.

Another story comes from Andrew Laffoon, who used the working genius framework to build a high-performing team at Vitaspark. By understanding the types of working genius present on his team, he was able to assign tasks based on each person’s genius, working competency, and working frustration. The result was a dramatic improvement in morale, teamwork, and success. The team moved from friction to flow, and individuals felt seen and valued for their unique contributions.

These stories are not isolated. Across industries—from Orangetheory Fitness to tech startups—leaders and teams are discovering the power of the 6 types of working genius. The working genius model is more than a personality test; it’s a roadmap for personal discovery, team development, and organizational health. When you honor your true genius and the genius of those around you, you unlock greater potential and create a culture of trust, collaboration, and fulfillment.

Making the Shift: Practical Steps for Individuals and Teams

If you’re ready to bring the 6 types of working genius into your daily work, start with self-awareness. Take the working genius assessment and reflect on your results. Where do you find energy and flow? Where do you experience frustration and resistance? Share your insights with your team and invite them to do the same. This simple act of naming your genius, working competency, and working frustration can transform the way you approach tasks, projects, and relationships.

For leaders, the working genius framework is a powerful tool for leadership development and team development. Use it to design roles, assign tasks, and build teams that honor each person’s unique genius. Encourage open conversations about working competencies and working frustrations. Celebrate the diversity of genius on your team and create space for everyone to contribute in their own way.

Remember, the goal is not perfection—it’s alignment. Small shifts in how you approach work can lead to increased productivity, greater fulfillment, and a deeper sense of connection. Whether you’re leading a team at Orangetheory Fitness, building a startup like Andrew Laffoon at Vitaspark, or simply seeking more meaning in your daily work, the 6 types of working genius offer a path to success and satisfaction.

Conclusion: Your Next Step Toward Clarity and Connection

The DNA of productivity isn’t hidden in hustle or heroic effort. It’s found in the honest, ongoing work of aligning what you do with who you are. The 6 types of working genius, as developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, are your invitation to reclaim confidence, clarity, connection, leadership, and balance. When you honor your true genius and the genius of those around you, you unlock greater potential and create a culture where everyone can thrive.

You have the power to change the way you work, lead, and live. The first step is simple: connect with us to explore how the 6 types of working genius can transform your team and your life. Schedule a time to discuss your team with our CEO and take the next step toward clarity, fulfillment, and success.