“Unlocking Innovation: A Journey Through the Six Types of Working Genius”

There’s a moment in every leader’s journey when the spark of innovation feels just out of reach. The project is stalled, the team is restless, and the once-bright energy that fueled your work has faded into a quiet, persistent frustration. You stare at the screen, the cursor blinking, and wonder why the flow that once came so easily now feels like a distant memory. If you’ve ever questioned whether your way of working is the problem—or if you’re simply missing a piece of the puzzle—you’re not alone. The truth is, most teams and individuals struggle not because they lack talent or drive, but because they haven’t yet discovered the 6 types of working genius that make innovation possible.

When the Spark Feels Out of Reach

Maybe you’ve felt it: the weight of expectation, the pressure to deliver, the sense that your contributions aren’t quite landing. For some, it’s the frustration of watching others leap ahead with solutions while you’re still searching for the right question. For others, it’s the exhaustion of carrying a project from start to finish, only to wonder why the energy that fueled the beginning has faded. These moments can leave you questioning your own genius, doubting your value, and wondering if you’re simply not cut out for this kind of work. But what if the real issue isn’t about effort or intelligence, but about a missing kind of genius—a way of working that hasn’t been named, let alone celebrated?

If this resonates, you’re not alone. And what comes next might just change the way you see yourself—and your team—forever. The 6 types of working genius, as described by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offer a new lens for understanding how innovation really happens. When you see the full spectrum of genius in yourself and others, you don’t just get better results—you get teams that feel alive, connected, and capable of creating the extraordinary.

Beyond Talent: The Hidden Cost of Misaligned Genius

Innovation isn’t just about hard work or raw intelligence. It’s about the alignment of our innate talents with the work that needs to be done. When that alignment is missing, the consequences ripple far beyond missed deadlines or lackluster brainstorming sessions. Teams stall out, not because they lack skill, but because the wrong kinds of energy are being asked to do the wrong kinds of work. The visionary is forced into the weeds. The implementer is asked to dream. The result? Frustration, burnout, and a quiet erosion of trust.

Think about the meetings that end with more confusion than clarity, or the brilliant idea that withers because no one knows how to nurture it into reality. When we don’t understand the unique genius each person brings, we risk building teams that are lopsided—overweight in some strengths, starved in others. The cost isn’t just emotional; it’s practical. Projects drag. Morale dips. The spark that once ignited possibility flickers out. But what if the real problem isn’t a lack of innovation, but a lack of language? What if we’ve been trying to solve the wrong puzzle—focusing on fixing people, rather than unlocking the genius that’s already there?

This is why understanding the 6 types of working genius isn’t just interesting—it’s essential. Because when we finally see the full spectrum of genius in ourselves and others, we don’t just get better results. We get teams that feel alive, connected, and capable of creating the extraordinary. The working genius model, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, is a practical tool for leadership development, organizational health, and team development. It helps individuals and teams identify their innate talents, working competencies, and working frustrations, unlocking greater potential and increased productivity.

The Six Windows: Seeing Genius in a New Light

Imagine walking into a room with six windows, each offering a different view of the landscape outside. Some windows reveal the distant horizon, full of possibility and wonder. Others focus on the details—the shape of the trees, the texture of the ground, the path that leads forward. Each window is essential, and together, they create a panoramic understanding of what’s possible. This is the promise of the 6 types of working genius: Wonder, Discernment, Invention, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. Each is a distinct way of contributing to work, and each is a form of genius in its own right.

Too often, we’ve been taught to value only a few of these windows—usually the ones that match our own view. The rest? We ignore them, or worse, judge them as less important. Let’s step through each window, not as a checklist, but as a journey—a way to see ourselves and our teams with new eyes, and to understand how the 6 types of working genius can transform the way we work, lead, and innovate.

Wonder: The Genius of the Unasked Question

Every breakthrough begins with a question no one else thought to ask. The Genius of Wonder is the ability to see what’s missing, to sense possibility where others see only the status quo. It’s the quiet voice in the meeting that asks, “What if we’re missing something?” or “Is there a better way?” This genius is often overlooked, mistaken for indecision or distraction. But without it, innovation never gets off the ground.

I once worked with a leader—let’s call her Maya—who always seemed to slow down the team with her questions. Some saw her as a roadblock. But when we reframed her contributions as the Genius of Wonder, everything shifted. Her questions weren’t obstacles; they were invitations to think bigger. The team’s solutions became bolder, more creative, and more resilient because Maya dared to wonder. This is the first of the 6 types of working genius, and it’s essential for unlocking new ideas and greater potential.

Discernment: The Genius of Uncanny Judgment

If Wonder is the question, Discernment is the filter. This genius is the ability to sense what will work and what won’t, often without needing all the data. It’s the person who can walk into a brainstorming session and, within minutes, spot the idea with the most potential. Discernment isn’t about being critical for the sake of it—it’s about protecting the team from wasted effort and guiding energy toward what matters. This is the genius of uncanny judgment, the kind that can save a team from heading down the wrong path.

Consider the story of Alex, a product manager whose “gut feelings” were often dismissed as unscientific. But time and again, his instincts proved right. When the team finally recognized his Genius of Discernment, they stopped second-guessing and started listening. The result? Fewer dead-end projects, more momentum, and a newfound respect for the wisdom that can’t always be measured. Discernment is one of the 6 types of working genius that brings clarity and direction to any team.

Invention: The Genius of New Ideas

Some people come alive when faced with a blank slate. The Genius of Invention is the drive to create something new, to solve problems that have never been solved before. It’s the spark that turns a question into a possibility, a challenge into a prototype. Too often, we expect everyone to be inventors—but the truth is, this genius is rare and precious. Invention is one of the 6 types of working genius that fuels innovation and breakthrough thinking.

I remember a team that struggled for months to break through a technical barrier. It wasn’t until they brought in Priya—whose Genius of Invention had been underutilized—that the solution emerged. She didn’t just tweak the old approach; she reimagined the problem entirely. The breakthrough wasn’t just technical—it was cultural. The team learned to value invention, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. This is the kind of genius that transforms work and unlocks greater potential.

Galvanizing: The Genius of Rallying Energy

Ideas are fragile until someone believes in them enough to rally others. The Genius of Galvanizing is the ability to inspire action, to turn potential into momentum. It’s the person who says, “Let’s do this,” and suddenly, the room comes alive. Without galvanizers, even the best ideas languish in the realm of “someday.” Galvanizing is one of the 6 types of working genius that brings energy and urgency to the work at hand.

Take the case of Jordan, whose energy was often mistaken for impatience. In reality, Jordan’s Genius of Galvanizing was the missing link for a team stuck in endless planning. Once his role shifted from “nag” to “catalyst,” the team’s pace accelerated—and so did their results. Galvanizing isn’t about pushing for the sake of speed; it’s about breathing life into possibility. This is the kind of genius that turns ideas into action and drives increased productivity.

Enablement: The Genius of Lifting Others

Every great endeavor needs those who say, “How can I help?” The Genius of Enablement is the gift of support—of making it possible for others to succeed. This genius is often invisible, overshadowed by louder voices. But without it, teams falter. Enablement is the bridge between vision and reality, the hands that turn ideas into action. It’s one of the 6 types of working genius that ensures every task is completed and every person feels valued.

I think of Sam, who quietly made sure every detail was handled, every person felt seen. For years, Sam’s contributions were taken for granted. But when the team recognized his Genius of Enablement, they realized he was the glue holding everything together. The culture shifted from one of silent expectation to one of gratitude and collaboration. Enablement is the kind of genius that transforms teamwork and builds morale.

Tenacity: The Genius of Finishing Strong

Finally, there is the Genius of Tenacity—the relentless drive to see things through. Tenacity is the force that turns “almost” into “done.” It’s the person who won’t let go until the last box is checked, the last detail resolved. In a world obsessed with starting, tenacity is the genius that ensures we finish. Tenacity is one of the 6 types of working genius that brings projects to completion and honors the promise made to clients and teams.

Consider the story of Leah, whose persistence was sometimes labeled as stubbornness. But when a critical project was on the line, it was Leah’s Genius of Tenacity that carried the team across the finish line. Her determination wasn’t just about getting things done—it was about honoring the promise the team had made to themselves and their clients. Tenacity is the kind of genius that transforms work from a series of tasks into a meaningful journey.

The Real Shift: From Judgment to Celebration

When we see the 6 types of working genius not as a hierarchy, but as a symphony, everything changes. The friction that once felt personal becomes purposeful. The gaps that once caused frustration become invitations to collaborate. The question is no longer, “Why can’t they work like me?” but “How can we work together, honoring every kind of genius in the room?” This is the shift that unlocks innovation—not by demanding more from individuals, but by drawing out the best in everyone.

The 6 types of working genius, as described by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offer a new lens for leadership development, organizational health, and team development. When you understand the working genius model, you can see how each person’s innate talents contribute to greater potential and increased productivity. The working genius assessment helps individuals and teams identify their working competencies and working frustrations, creating a culture where every type of genius is valued and celebrated.

Bringing Genius Home: Seeing Yourself (and Your Team) Anew

Pause for a moment. Let the 6 types of working genius settle in your mind—not as abstract concepts, but as living, breathing parts of your daily work. Where did you feel a spark of recognition? Which stories echoed your own frustrations or triumphs? This is where the journey turns inward, where insight becomes transformation. Ask yourself: When do you feel most alive at work? Is it in the quiet before the storm, sensing what others miss? In the thrill of new ideas, or the satisfaction of seeing a project through to the end? Maybe it’s in the energy of rallying a team, or the quiet pride of making someone else’s job easier. These moments aren’t random—they’re clues to your unique working genius.

Now, look around you. Who on your team asks the questions that others overlook? Who has a knack for spotting pitfalls before they appear? Who brings the energy that gets things moving, or the steady hands that keep everything on track? What if the very differences that once caused friction are actually the missing pieces you’ve been searching for? If you’re leading a team, consider this: Where are you asking people to operate outside their genius for too long? Where might burnout or disengagement be a sign of misalignment, not lack of effort? Imagine the shift if every person was seen, valued, and deployed for their true genius—not just their job title.

Try this simple exercise: For the next week, notice when you or your colleagues light up—or shut down. What kind of work is happening in those moments? What genius is being called forth, and what’s being overlooked? Jot down your observations. Share them with your team. Invite a conversation about what each person needs to do their best work. Because the real power of the 6 types of working genius isn’t just in understanding the model—it’s in using it as a lens to see yourself and others with new appreciation. When you do, you don’t just unlock innovation. You unlock belonging, purpose, and the kind of collaboration that makes the extraordinary possible.

From Insight to Impact: The Genius Integration

Innovation isn’t a solo act—it’s a symphony. When we recognize and honor the 6 types of working genius, we move from isolated effort to collective brilliance. The stories you’ve just read aren’t outliers; they’re invitations. They remind us that every team, every project, and every leader has the potential to unlock new levels of energy, trust, and creativity—if we’re willing to see genius in all its forms.

Here’s what this journey asks of us:

• See the Whole Picture: Innovation thrives when every type of genius is present and valued. Resist the urge to elevate one over the others. Instead, ask: What’s missing from our process? Who’s genius haven’t we tapped yet?
• Name and Celebrate Strengths: Make it a habit to call out the unique contributions of your team. When someone’s Wonder, Tenacity, or Enablement shines, say it out loud. Recognition is the first step toward integration.
• Diagnose, Don’t Blame: When friction or fatigue shows up, pause before assigning fault. Ask: Is this a sign of misalignment? Are we asking someone to operate outside their genius for too long?
• Design for Genius: Structure projects and roles so that people spend more time in their zone of genius—and less time in their zone of frustration. This isn’t just good for morale; it’s rocket fuel for results.
• Keep the Conversation Alive: Genius isn’t static. As teams and projects evolve, so do our needs. Make regular check-ins about working genius part of your culture.

The real takeaway? When you shift from judgment to celebration, from assumption to curiosity, you don’t just get better work—you get a better way of working together. That’s the kind of innovation that lasts. The 6 types of working genius are not just a model—they are a movement toward greater potential, increased productivity, and lasting success.

The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Framework for Fulfillment and Success

The 6 types of working genius, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, are more than a personality test—they are a practical tool for leadership development, organizational health, and team development. The working genius assessment helps individuals and teams identify their innate talents, working competencies, and working frustrations. By understanding your own working genius and the genius of those around you, you can unlock greater potential, increased productivity, and true fulfillment at work.

Whether you’re a leader, a member of the Table Group team, or an Orangetheory Fitness coach, the 6 types of working genius offer a roadmap for success. The working genius model is not just about identifying your strengths—it’s about understanding how your genius, working competency, and working frustration interact to shape your experience of work. When you work with a certified working genius facilitator or a working genius certified facilitator, you gain access to insights that can transform your team’s morale, productivity, and sense of belonging.

The working genius framework is a powerful tool for personal discovery, team development, and organizational health. It helps individuals and teams move beyond personality tests and into a deeper understanding of what drives fulfillment, success, and innovation. By embracing the 6 types of working genius, you can create a culture where every idea, every task, and every individual is valued for their true genius.

The stories of disruptive geniuses like Andrew Laffoon and the Table Group team show us what’s possible when we honor every type of working genius. Whether you’re inventing new ideas, rallying a team, enabling others, or finishing strong with tenacity, your genius matters. The 6 types of working genius are not just a model—they are a movement toward greater potential, increased productivity, and lasting success.

Bringing It All Together: The Vitaspark Connection

At Vitaspark, we believe that the 6 types of working genius are more than a framework—they are a catalyst for transformation. Our work with leaders, teams, and organizations is grounded in the belief that every individual has innate talents waiting to be unlocked. By leveraging the working genius assessment and partnering with a certified working genius facilitator, you can move beyond working frustrations and into a space of true genius, fulfillment, and impact.

Whether you’re part of the Table Group team, an Orangetheory Fitness coach, or a leader seeking greater potential for your organization, the 6 types of working genius offer a roadmap for success. The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. When you honor every type of working genius, you create a culture where innovation, collaboration, and belonging thrive.

Next Steps: Connect and Unlock Your Team’s Genius

You have the power to change the way you work, lead, and collaborate. The 6 types of working genius are not just a model—they are an invitation to see yourself and your team with new eyes. If you’re ready to explore how the working genius framework can unlock greater potential, increased productivity, and true fulfillment for 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.

Innovation begins with a single step. Take yours today—and discover the genius that’s been waiting to be unlocked.