“Unearthing Your Unique Working Genius: Discover the Six Types of Human Potential”

There’s a moment in nearly every professional’s journey when the workday feels like a costume—when the mask of competence and the rhythm of endless tasks begin to chafe against something deeper. Maybe it’s the 3:17pm slump, or the quiet sigh that escapes as your calendar pings with yet another “urgent” meeting. It’s not just exhaustion. It’s the subtle ache of misalignment, the sense that your work is a few degrees off from your true genius. You show up, you deliver, you even succeed by external measures. But beneath the surface, a persistent question lingers: Is this really my zone, or am I just playing the part?

For some, the struggle is being asked to generate new ideas when what you crave is clarity and closure. For others, it’s the slow drain of endless details when your mind longs to build, to launch, to move. Maybe you’ve noticed how certain tasks light you up—time disappears, energy flows—while other tasks leave you counting the minutes, wondering if everyone else feels this way too. A client once described it as “wearing someone else’s shoes to run my own race.” She was successful by every external measure, but inside, she felt like she was always compensating—masking her true genius, stretching to fit a mold that never quite matched her shape. Her story isn’t rare. In fact, it’s quietly universal.

If any of this stirs something familiar, if you’ve ever wondered why some work feels effortless and other work feels like a daily negotiation with yourself—this exploration of the 6 types of working genius might just be the permission slip you’ve been waiting for.

The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

It’s easy to dismiss that quiet ache as just part of being a grown-up, a professional, a leader. We tell ourselves that work isn’t supposed to feel magical all the time. But what if that persistent sense of misfit isn’t a flaw in your character—or a sign you need to “toughen up”—but a signal from your deepest intelligence?

When we spend our days operating outside our true working genius, the cost is more than just fatigue. It’s the slow erosion of engagement, the subtle dimming of creativity, the gradual loss of confidence in our own instincts. Teams begin to fray at the edges: trust wanes, collaboration stalls, and the best new ideas never quite make it to the surface. Leaders start to question their own value, wondering if maybe they’re just not cut out for the roles they’ve worked so hard to earn.

The research is clear: when individuals work in alignment with their innate talents and the 6 types of working genius, performance soars—not just for individuals, but for entire organizations. Gallup’s studies on strengths-based development show that employees who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged at work. But the real story is more personal. It’s about reclaiming the energy you’ve been spending on self-correction and redirection, and channeling it into work that feels like an honest extension of who you are. Because when you’re in your genius, you don’t just get more done—you become more yourself. And that changes everything.

The Six Faces of Genius: A New Lens on Human Potential

Imagine, for a moment, that every team, every project, every dream is a living ecosystem—one that thrives only when each of its essential elements is present. In this ecosystem, there are 6 types of working genius, six distinct energies that fuel progress from the first spark of an idea to the final flourish of completion. These aren’t just skills or roles—they’re deep-seated modes of contribution, each as vital as sunlight or water.

The first is the Genius of Wonder. These are the individuals who see what others miss. They ask the questions no one else thinks to ask, sensing gaps, possibilities, and needs before they’re fully formed. Their gift is curiosity—a restless, generative energy that refuses to accept the status quo. In a world obsessed with answers, they are the keepers of the essential questions.

Next comes the Genius of Discernment. If Wonder is the spark, Discernment is the tuning fork. These individuals have an uncanny judgment for what will work and what won’t. They can sift through new ideas, sensing patterns and potential pitfalls, making decisions that feel less like analysis and more like art. Their judgment is rarely loud, but it is quietly transformative.

Then, there is the Genius of Completion. These are the finishers, the closers, the ones who find satisfaction in crossing the last “t” and dotting the final “i.” They bring projects to fruition, ensuring that nothing is left half-done or unresolved. Their energy is the steady heartbeat that turns vision into reality.

But the ecosystem would collapse without the Genius of Galvanizing. These are the catalysts—the ones who rally the troops, ignite momentum, and turn intention into action. They are the voice that says, “Let’s go,” and the force that keeps the wheels turning when enthusiasm begins to wane.

The Genius of Enablement is the quiet power behind the scenes. These individuals are the helpers, the supporters, the ones who make it possible for others to succeed. They sense what’s needed and step in, not for recognition, but because they are wired to lift, to assist, to empower.

Finally, the Genius of Tenacity. These are the relentless problem-solvers, the ones who refuse to let go until the job is truly done. They thrive on follow-through, persistence, and the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles. Their energy is the anchor that keeps projects from drifting into the land of “almost finished.”

Each of us carries a unique blend of these 6 types of working genius. Some will feel like home—effortless, energizing, natural. Others may feel foreign, draining, or even frustrating. The tragedy is not that we lack certain types of working genius, but that we spend so much of our lives trying to compensate for what isn’t ours, instead of doubling down on what is.

From Blind Spots to Brilliance: Reframing the Narrative

For years, the workplace has been obsessed with “fixing” weaknesses. Performance reviews, development plans, even well-meaning feedback sessions often focus on shoring up what’s lacking. But what if the real breakthrough comes not from patching our blind spots, but from illuminating our true genius?

Consider the story of Marcus, a senior leader in a fast-growing tech company. For years, he’d been told he needed to “get better at follow-through.” He’d tried every productivity hack, every accountability system, but still found himself drained by the details. It wasn’t until he discovered his true working genius—Galvanizing and Wonder—that everything shifted. He stopped apologizing for his lack of Tenacity and started building teams that complemented his strengths. The result? Projects moved faster, morale soared, and Marcus felt, for the first time, like he was leading from his center.

This isn’t about ignoring growth edges or abdicating responsibility. It’s about honoring the truth that no one is meant to embody all 6 types of working genius at once. The magic happens when we recognize our own blend, own it fully, and surround ourselves with others who bring what we lack.

The working genius model, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offers a new way to see ourselves and our teams. It’s not a personality test, but a map of how we naturally contribute to work. The 6 types of working genius—Wonder, Discernment, Invention, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—each play a vital role in the cycle of productivity and fulfillment.

The Permission to Be Fully Yourself

What if the greatest act of leadership is not to become someone else, but to become more deeply yourself? To stop contorting into roles that don’t fit, and instead, to claim your unique contribution with clarity and pride?

The 6 types of working genius offer more than a framework—they offer a new permission slip. Permission to stop apologizing for the tasks that drain you. Permission to seek out, design, and advocate for work that lights you up. Permission to build teams not on sameness, but on the beautiful, necessary diversity of human potential.

Because when you know your working genius, you stop working against yourself. You start working with the grain of your own nature. And that’s when the real transformation begins. The working genius assessment, created by Pat Lencioni and the Table Group team, is a tool for personal discovery and team development. It helps individuals and leaders identify their top two types of working genius, their working competencies, and their working frustrations.

Turning Insight Into Action: Mapping Your Genius in the Real World

Pause for a moment. Let the idea settle: you are not broken, nor are you incomplete. You are, in fact, uniquely wired for a particular kind of contribution. The question now is—how do you bring this awareness out of the realm of theory and into the living, breathing reality of your workday?

Start by noticing. Over the next week, pay close attention to your energy as you move through different tasks. Where do you feel a natural lift, a sense of ease or even excitement? When do you find yourself procrastinating, tensing up, or counting the minutes until you can move on? These are not just quirks of personality—they are breadcrumbs, leading you back to your core genius.

Ask yourself:
Which moments in my workday feel most like “me”?
Where do I consistently lose track of time, or feel most alive?
Conversely, which responsibilities leave me depleted, frustrated, or quietly resentful?

If you lead others, take this inquiry a step further. Notice the patterns in your team. Who lights up in brainstorming sessions? Who thrives when it’s time to execute, to finish, to polish? Who quietly ensures everyone has what they need, even if they never ask for credit? Begin to see your colleagues not as interchangeable parts, but as essential, irreplaceable sources of genius.

You might even invite your team into this exploration. Share the 6 types of working genius and ask: “Which of these feels most like you? Which feels least?” The conversation that follows can be transformative—not just for productivity, but for trust, empathy, and shared purpose.

Remember, this is not about labeling or limiting yourself (or anyone else). It’s about clarity. It’s about designing your days, your projects, and your collaborations around the truth of who you are—and who you are not. Because the more honestly you map your genius, the more powerfully you can contribute, connect, and lead.

Genius, Unlocked: What Becomes Possible When You Lead From Your Center

When you finally see your working genius for what it is—not a quirk, not a flaw, but a vital, irreplaceable force—something fundamental shifts. The old story of “not enough” begins to dissolve. In its place, a new clarity emerges: you are not here to be everything to everyone. You are here to bring your unique energy to the work that matters most.

This isn’t just a mindset shift. It’s a new operating system for your career, your leadership, and your life. When you honor your genius:

• You reclaim the energy once spent on self-doubt and redirection, and invest it in work that feels like an honest extension of you.
• You build teams that are not just functional, but alive—where difference is not a liability, but the very source of collective brilliance.
• You stop apologizing for what drains you, and start designing your days around what sustains you.
• You give others permission to do the same, creating a ripple effect of authenticity and trust.

If you’re ready to move from insight to integration, try this:

• Audit your week: For the next five days, jot down moments when you feel most energized and most depleted. Look for patterns—these are your genius breadcrumbs.
• Name your top two geniuses: Based on your reflections, which of the 6 types of working genius feel most natural, most “you”? Write them down. Own them.
• Share your genius: Tell a trusted colleague or your team what you’ve discovered. Invite them to do the same. Notice how the conversation shifts.
• Redesign one task: Choose a responsibility that drains you. Is there a way to delegate, collaborate, or reframe it so it aligns more closely with your genius?
• Celebrate difference: When you notice a teammate thriving in an area that drains you, acknowledge it. Let them know you see their genius at work.

The journey to working in your genius is not about perfection—it’s about permission. Permission to be fully yourself, to contribute from your center, and to trust that your unique energy is not just enough, but essential.

When you lead from your genius, you don’t just change your work. You change what’s possible for everyone around you.

Unlocking the 6 Types of Working Genius: A Deeper Dive

To truly understand the 6 types of working genius, it helps to see how each type plays a role in the cycle of productivity and fulfillment. The working genius model, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, is not a personality test, but a practical framework for leadership development, organizational health, and team development. Each of the 6 types—Wonder, Discernment, Invention, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity—represents a unique working competency and a source of greater potential for individuals and teams.

The Genius of Wonder is the spark that ignites new ideas. These individuals are often the disruptive geniuses who challenge the status quo and ask the questions that others overlook. Their working competency is curiosity, and their working frustration is being forced into routine or execution before the idea is fully formed. Orangetheory Fitness, for example, has built a culture that values wonder and innovation, allowing disruptive geniuses to thrive and drive organizational health.

The Genius of Discernment brings uncanny judgment to the table. These individuals have a knack for sensing what will work and what won’t, often relying on intuition and pattern recognition. Their working competency is judgment, and their working frustration is being ignored or overruled when their insights could make a difference. Andrew Laffoon, co-founder of Mixbook, credits his success to building teams that honor discernment and enablement, ensuring that new ideas are vetted and supported before moving forward.

The Genius of Invention is the creative force that generates solutions and new ideas. These individuals thrive on brainstorming and problem-solving, often serving as the disruptive geniuses who push boundaries and challenge assumptions. Their working competency is creativity, and their working frustration is being asked to execute or finish before the idea is ready. The Table Group team, led by Pat Lencioni, has used invention to drive leadership development and increased productivity across organizations.

The Genius of Galvanizing is the energy that rallies teams and drives momentum. These individuals are natural motivators, able to inspire action and keep projects moving forward. Their working competency is motivation, and their working frustration is being left out of the action or forced into solitary work. Orangetheory Fitness has leveraged galvanizing to build high-morale teams and foster teamwork that leads to greater potential and success.

The Genius of Enablement is the support system that makes everything possible. These individuals are the helpers, the ones who step in to assist and empower others. Their working competency is support, and their working frustration is being taken for granted or overlooked. Andrew Laffoon’s teams have thrived by recognizing the value of enablement and building a culture of appreciation and collaboration.

The Genius of Tenacity is the drive to finish and follow through. These individuals are relentless in their pursuit of completion, ensuring that nothing is left undone. Their working competency is persistence, and their working frustration is being pulled away from finishing or being forced to start new things before the current work is complete. The Table Group and Pat Lencioni have emphasized the importance of tenacity in achieving organizational health and increased productivity.

Applying the Working Genius Framework in Your Organization

The working genius framework is more than a tool for personal discovery—it’s a roadmap for team development, leadership development, and organizational health. By understanding the 6 types of working genius, leaders can build teams that are balanced, resilient, and capable of achieving greater potential. The working genius assessment, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, helps individuals identify their top two types of working genius, their working competencies, and their working frustrations.

Certified working genius facilitators and working genius certified facilitators are trained to guide teams through this process, helping organizations unlock the full spectrum of talent and energy within their ranks. By focusing on working competencies and addressing working frustrations, teams can achieve increased productivity, higher morale, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Vitaspark, a leader in leadership development and organizational health, has integrated the working genius model into its coaching and consulting services. By partnering with certified working genius facilitators, Vitaspark helps organizations identify and leverage the unique types of working genius within their teams, driving success and fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation.

From Insight to Integration: Your Next Step

The journey to unlocking your true genius begins with a single step: awareness. By understanding the 6 types of working genius and embracing your unique blend of talents, you can transform your work, your team, and your organization. The working genius assessment is a powerful tool for personal discovery, team development, and leadership growth. Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or an individual seeking greater fulfillment, the working genius framework offers a path to clarity, connection, and success.

Remember, you are not here to be everything to everyone. You are here to bring your unique energy, your true genius, to the work that matters most. When you lead from your center, you unlock greater potential—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. The 6 types of working genius are not just a framework; they are an invitation to step into your power, to honor your talents, and to create a ripple effect of authenticity, trust, and increased productivity.

If you’re ready to explore your team’s alignment and unlock the full spectrum of working genius within your organization, connect with us today. Schedule a time to discuss your team with our CEO and take the first step toward a more confident, clear, and connected future.