“Unleashing Your Work Genius: Exploring the Six Types of Excellence”

There’s a moment—maybe it’s mid-morning, maybe it’s late at night—when you pause, hands hovering over the keyboard, and wonder why the work that once lit you up now feels strangely heavy. The deadlines are the same, the team is familiar, but something essential is missing. You scan your calendar, searching for a spark, but the days blur together in a haze of meetings and tasks that drain more than they give. Perhaps you’ve watched a colleague in their element—solving problems with a kind of effortless energy, or generating new ideas that seem to flow from some hidden well. You wonder: What do they have that I don’t? Is it talent, luck, or something deeper? The truth is, you’re not alone in this quiet questioning. Many high-achievers, even those at the top of their game, find themselves wrestling with a sense of misalignment—a nagging suspicion that their true genius is being left on the sidelines.

If you’ve ever felt like your best work is just out of reach, or that your unique gifts are being lost in the noise of daily demands, this exploration of the 6 types of working genius might be the turning point you didn’t know you needed. The journey to greater potential, fulfillment, and organizational health begins with understanding the 6 types of working genius and how they shape the way we work, lead, and live.

The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

It’s easy to dismiss that sense of heaviness as just another symptom of a busy season, or to chalk up your restlessness to the inevitable grind of modern work. But beneath the surface, something more profound is at play. When we operate outside our zone of working genius—when our days are filled with tasks that don’t align with our innate talents—the cost is more than just fatigue. It’s a slow erosion of engagement, creativity, and even self-trust.

Research from the Table Group shows that employees who regularly use their natural talents are six times more likely to be engaged at work. Yet, most organizations—and most individuals—rarely pause to ask: What is my true working genius? Instead, we chase productivity hacks, shuffle responsibilities, or double down on grit, hoping that sheer effort will bridge the gap. But effort without alignment is like rowing against the current: exhausting, unsustainable, and ultimately unfulfilling.

This isn’t just a personal dilemma; it’s a leadership development imperative. When teams are built without regard for individual genius, collaboration suffers, innovation stalls, and burnout becomes the norm. The real risk isn’t just lost productivity—it’s the quiet resignation of potential, the untapped brilliance that never gets a chance to shine. Recognizing and unleashing your working genius isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation for meaningful, sustainable excellence—for you, your team, and the work you’re here to do.

The Anatomy of Genius: Six Pathways to Excellence

Imagine for a moment that excellence isn’t a single mountain to climb, but a landscape of six distinct peaks—each representing a different kind of working genius. Most of us have been taught to scale whichever summit is closest, or whichever one our organization values most. But what if your true genius lies on a different peak entirely? What if the energy you’ve been searching for is waiting at the intersection of your natural strengths and your daily work?

The 6 types of working genius, a framework developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group team, offers a map for this terrain. It’s not about labeling or limiting you—it’s about revealing the unique way you’re wired to contribute. The six types are: Wonder, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity, and Invention. Each is essential. Each is a form of genius. And each, when honored, can transform not just your output, but your experience of work itself.

Let’s step into these 6 types of working genius—not as abstract concepts, but as living energies that shape the way we show up. As you read, notice which types of working genius feel like home, and which feel foreign or even draining. This is the beginning of personal discovery, and the first step toward greater potential and fulfillment in your work.

The Genius of Wonder: The Spark of Possibility

Some individuals are born with a restless curiosity—a gift for seeing what’s missing, for asking the questions no one else thinks to ask. The Genius of Wonder is the spark at the beginning of every great endeavor. It’s the person in the meeting who pauses and asks, “Is this really the best we can do?” or “What if we tried something completely different?” They are the horizon-gazers, the ones who sense potential before it’s visible.

But in many organizations, this genius is undervalued. The pressure to “get things done” can silence the wonderers, leaving their questions unasked and their insights unexplored. Yet, without wonder, teams risk stagnation—missing the very opportunities that could set them apart. The working genius model reminds us that honoring this type is essential for organizational health and increased productivity. The 6 types of working genius are not just about output; they are about the energy and morale that fuel sustainable success.

The Genius of Discernment: The Art of Instinctive Clarity

Discernment is the quiet superpower of those who just know when something feels right—or off. It’s not about data or analysis; it’s about pattern recognition, intuition, and the ability to sense what will work. The discerner is the trusted advisor, the one colleagues turn to for a gut check. Their feedback is rarely loud, but it’s often the difference between a good idea and a great one. This is the genius of uncanny judgment, a thing that can’t be taught but is invaluable to any team.

When this genius is overlooked, teams can become mired in indecision or chase every shiny object. But when discernment is honored, it becomes a compass—guiding projects, people, and possibilities toward what truly matters. The 6 types of working genius framework, as outlined by Pat Lencioni and the Table Group, highlights the importance of this type for both leadership development and team development. Uncanny judgment is not just a talent; it’s a vital ingredient in the recipe for organizational health and increased productivity.

The Genius of Invention: The Creative Engine

Invention is the birthplace of new ideas. It’s the genius that thrives on blank slates and open-ended challenges. Inventors are the ones who light up at the words, “We’ve never done this before.” They bring solutions where others see only problems, and their creativity can be contagious. This is the domain of disruptive geniuses—those who see what could be and aren’t afraid to try.

Yet, invention without support can feel isolating. In environments that prize predictability, inventors may be seen as disruptive or impractical. But when their genius is harnessed, they become the wellspring of innovation—the source of breakthroughs that move teams and organizations forward. The working genius assessment, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, helps individuals and teams identify and leverage this essential type. Disruptive geniuses are not just idea generators; they are the catalysts for new ideas and greater potential.

The Genius of Galvanizing: The Catalyst for Action

Some people have a natural ability to rally others—to turn ideas into movement. The galvanizer is the spark plug, the one who says, “Let’s go!” and means it. They inspire, motivate, and mobilize, transforming potential into momentum. Without galvanizing, even the best ideas can languish in the realm of “someday.” This is the genius that brings energy and morale to the team, a thing that can’t be underestimated.

But galvanizers need something to rally around. When their energy is misdirected, it can feel like noise or pressure. When it’s aligned with purpose, it becomes the heartbeat of progress. The working genius model, as taught by a certified working genius facilitator, shows how this type is vital for increased productivity and organizational health. Galvanizing is not just about enthusiasm; it’s about channeling energy into meaningful action and teamwork.

The Genius of Enablement: The Power of Support

Enablement is the genius of those who instinctively help others move forward. They are the team players, the ones who ask, “How can I help?”—and mean it. Their support isn’t passive; it’s active, intentional, and essential. They turn vision into reality by making it possible for others to do their best work. Enablement is often the unsung hero of teamwork and morale.

Too often, enablement is mistaken for mere helpfulness or overlooked as “soft.” But without it, teams fracture, and projects stall. When enablement is recognized as a form of genius, it becomes the glue that holds collaboration together. The Table Group team and working genius certified facilitators emphasize the importance of this type in both team development and leadership development. Enablement is not just a competency; it’s a cornerstone of organizational health and fulfillment.

The Genius of Tenacity: The Drive to Completion

Finally, there are those whose genius lies in finishing what others start. Tenacity is the relentless pursuit of results—the determination to see things through, no matter the obstacles. Tenacious people are the closers, the ones who ensure that promises become deliverables and that excellence isn’t just imagined, but achieved. This is the genius that transforms potential into real, measurable success.

In a world obsessed with starting, tenacity is often undervalued. But without it, even the most brilliant ideas remain unfinished. When tenacity is celebrated, it becomes the engine of execution—the force that turns potential into impact. The working genius framework, as developed by Pat Lencioni and the Table Group, highlights how this type is essential for organizational health and increased productivity. Tenacity is not just about grit; it’s about the fulfillment that comes from seeing work through to success.

Reclaiming Your Genius

As you read these descriptions of the 6 types of working genius, notice which ones feel like home—and which feel foreign or even draining. The truth is, we all have access to each type, but only two or three are our true “working genius.” The rest may be areas of working competency or even working frustration. The shift begins when you stop trying to be everything—and start honoring the unique excellence that is already yours.

This is not about fitting into a box. It’s about finding your place in the ecosystem of work, and giving yourself—and your team—permission to thrive. The working genius assessment, unlike a traditional personality test, is a tool for personal discovery and greater potential. It helps individuals and leaders identify their innate talents, working competencies, and working frustrations, so they can design their work for maximum fulfillment and success. The 6 types of working genius are not just categories; they are invitations to reclaim the energy, clarity, and fulfillment that come from honoring your true strengths.

Finding Your Genius in the Flow of Your Day

Pause for a moment and look back at your week—not just the meetings and deadlines, but the moments that left a mark. Where did you feel most alive, most yourself? Was it in the quiet space before a project began, when you were free to ask “what if?” Or was it in the thick of collaboration, helping others move forward, or driving a task across the finish line when everyone else was ready to quit?

This is where the journey from concept to clarity begins: by noticing. Noticing the subtle lift in your energy when you’re operating in your working genius, and the quiet drain when you’re not. It’s easy to dismiss these signals as mood swings or quirks of circumstance, but they are, in truth, the compass points of your working life.

Ask yourself:

• Which of the 6 types of working genius felt like a mirror, reflecting your best moments at work?
• Where do you find yourself volunteering, even when you’re not asked?
• What kinds of tasks leave you feeling depleted, no matter how hard you try?

Consider a recent project or challenge. Map it against the 6 types of working genius. Where did you shine? Where did you struggle? If you’re a leader, think about your team: Whose genius is being overlooked? Who is quietly carrying the weight of misalignment or working frustration?

This isn’t about self-judgment—it’s about self-honesty. The more clearly you see your own patterns, the more power you have to shape your work in ways that honor your strengths. And if you’re willing, share your reflections with a trusted colleague or mentor. Sometimes, the people around us see our genius before we do.

The invitation is simple, but profound: Start with awareness. Let your daily experience become the laboratory for discovering your unique excellence. Because the path to unleashing your working genius isn’t found in theory—it’s revealed in the living, breathing reality of your everyday work.

The Heart of Excellence: What Your Genius Reveals

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already begun the most important work: seeing yourself with new eyes. The 6 types of working genius aren’t just categories—they’re invitations to reclaim the energy, clarity, and fulfillment that come from honoring your true strengths. When you recognize your genius, you stop fighting your nature and start designing your work—and your life—around what makes you come alive.

Here’s what this journey asks of you, and what it offers in return:

• Excellence is not one-size-fits-all. Your best work emerges when you operate from your unique genius, not from someone else’s expectations or the loudest voice in the room.
• Misalignment is costly, but it’s not permanent. The heaviness you feel isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal. When you listen to it, you open the door to realignment and renewal.
• Every genius is essential. Teams thrive when all 6 types of working genius are present and valued. There is no hierarchy—only the synergy that comes from honoring difference.

If you’re ready to move from insight to action, start here:

• Name your top two working geniuses. Write them down. Notice how they show up in your day.
• Identify your areas of working frustration. Where do you feel drained or out of sync? These are clues, not failures.
• Have a conversation. Share your discoveries with a colleague or leader. Ask about their genius. See what shifts.
• Redesign one task or project. Even a small change—delegating, collaborating, or reframing—can bring your genius to the forefront.
• Celebrate the genius in others. Notice and name the strengths you see in your team. Appreciation is the soil where excellence grows.

The path to sustainable excellence isn’t about working harder—it’s about working truer. When you honor your genius, you don’t just unleash your own potential; you give others permission to do the same. That’s how cultures change, teams transform, and work becomes a place of possibility again.

Beyond the Framework: Real Stories, Real Change

Consider the story of Andrew Laffoon, a leader who once struggled to find his place in the world of work. After discovering the 6 types of working genius, he realized that his true genius was in invention and discernment. By focusing on these strengths, he transformed his team’s approach to new ideas and innovation, leading to greater potential and fulfillment for everyone involved. His journey is a testament to the power of the working genius framework and the impact it can have on both individuals and organizations.

Or take Orangetheory Fitness, a company that has embraced the 6 types of working genius to build high-performing teams. By recognizing the unique genius of each team member, they have fostered a culture of teamwork, morale, and increased productivity. The result is not just better business outcomes, but a deeper sense of connection and fulfillment for everyone involved.

Vitaspark, a leader in leadership development and team development, has also integrated the 6 types of working genius into their programs. By working with a certified working genius facilitator, they help individuals and teams unlock their innate talents, overcome working frustrations, and achieve greater potential. Their approach is grounded in the belief that every person has a unique genius to offer, and that true success comes from honoring and leveraging these strengths.

Integrating the 6 Types of Working Genius Into Your World

The 6 types of working genius are more than just a framework—they are a roadmap for personal discovery, team development, and organizational health. Whether you are a leader, a team member, or an individual seeking greater fulfillment in your work, the journey begins with awareness and action.

Start by taking the working genius assessment, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group. This is not a traditional personality test; it is a tool for uncovering your innate talents, working competencies, and working frustrations. By understanding your unique combination of the 6 types of working genius, you can design your work for maximum impact and fulfillment.

Work with a certified working genius facilitator or a working genius certified facilitator to deepen your understanding and apply the insights to your daily work. These experts can guide you through the process of team development, leadership development, and personal discovery, helping you and your team achieve greater potential and success.

Remember, the 6 types of working genius are not about fitting into a mold—they are about unleashing the true genius within you and those around you. By honoring your unique strengths and the strengths of others, you can create a culture of teamwork, morale, and increased productivity. This is the path to sustainable excellence, organizational health, and lasting fulfillment.

Conclusion: The Power to Change Is Yours

As you reflect on the 6 types of working genius, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. The path to confidence, clarity, connection, leadership, and balance begins with honoring your true genius and the genius of those around you. Whether you are seeking greater potential, fulfillment, or success, the answer lies in embracing the 6 types of working genius and integrating them into your work and life.

You have the power to change, to realign, and to thrive. The invitation is simple: connect with us to explore how the 6 types of working genius can transform your team, your work, and your world. Schedule a time to discuss your team with our CEO using this link: https://tidycal.com/1v9o66m/vstoolkit.

Your genius is needed. Your work matters. And the journey to greater potential, fulfillment, and organizational health starts now.