“Unlocking Potential: Discover the Six Types of Working Genius”

There’s a moment in every career when the work feels inexplicably heavy. The to-do list stretches on, but it’s not just the number of tasks that weighs you down. It’s a subtle friction—a sense that you’re pushing against the grain of your own nature. Maybe you watch a colleague light up in meetings, tossing out new ideas with ease, while you struggle to muster enthusiasm for the next thing on your list. Or perhaps you’re the one who thrives in the early stages of a project, only to feel lost when it’s time to execute the details. The heaviness isn’t about laziness or lack of drive. It’s about misalignment—a disconnect between your innate talents and the work you’re being asked to do. If you’ve ever wondered why some tasks drain you while others energize you, the answer may lie in the 6 types of working genius.

When Work Feels Like a Weight

For many, the struggle shows up as quiet frustration: “Why does this part of my job drain me when others seem to love it?” For others, it’s a creeping self-doubt—wondering if you’re missing some essential talent, or if you’re simply not cut out for the work you’re doing. Most of us have been taught to push through, to adapt, to “just get it done.” But what if the real issue isn’t your work ethic or your attitude? What if the problem is a misalignment between the work you’re doing and the 6 types of working genius that come most naturally to you?

If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. The 6 types of working genius, developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offer a new lens for understanding why work feels light and energizing—or heavy and depleting. This isn’t just about personality; it’s about the unique way you’re wired to contribute, and how honoring that wiring can unlock your greater potential.

The Hidden Cost of Misalignment

When we talk about burnout, disengagement, or the quiet ache of unfulfilled potential, we often point to external factors: too much work, not enough resources, relentless deadlines. But beneath these surface-level stressors lies a deeper, more insidious culprit—misalignment between our innate talents and the work we’re asked to do. It’s a mismatch that doesn’t just sap our energy; it erodes our confidence, our creativity, and, over time, our sense of purpose.

Research shows that when individuals spend the majority of their time in roles that don’t leverage their true genius, their risk of burnout skyrockets. Gallup’s studies on employee engagement reveal that only one in three employees feels engaged at work—a statistic that isn’t just about motivation, but about whether people are able to do the kind of work that lights them up from the inside out. When we’re forced to operate outside our zone of genius, even the simplest tasks can feel like wading through mud. The cost isn’t just personal; it ripples outward, affecting team morale, productivity, and ultimately, the results we’re able to deliver.

But here’s the deeper truth: this misalignment isn’t a personal failing. It’s a systems problem—a gap in how we understand and design work. Most organizations reward versatility and grit, but rarely pause to ask: “What kind of work actually energizes you?” The result is a silent epidemic of wasted potential, where brilliance goes unnoticed simply because it’s been misplaced. Recognizing and honoring your working genius isn’t just about feeling better at work—it’s about reclaiming your capacity to contribute at your highest level, and helping those around you do the same. This is where the 6 types of working genius become a roadmap for organizational health, leadership development, and true genius at work.

The Anatomy of Genius: The 6 Types of Working Genius

Imagine every project as a relay race. The baton passes from one hand to the next, each runner bringing a unique burst of energy to their stretch of the track. But what if you’ve been handed the baton at the wrong leg—asked to sprint when your true genius is in the steady, strategic pacing of the middle miles? This is the silent struggle of misaligned genius: we’re running, but not in our lane.

The 6 types of working genius, as outlined by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, offer a radical reframe. These aren’t just skills—they’re innate modes of contribution, the places where work feels less like effort and more like flow. When you’re operating in your genius, time bends, ideas spark, and energy renews itself. When you’re not, even the smallest task can feel Sisyphean. Let’s meet these 6 types of working genius—not as abstract labels, but as living, breathing energies that shape the way we show up:

The Genius of Wonder

This is the gift of seeing possibility where others see status quo. People with the Genius of Wonder are natural questioners, always scanning the horizon for what could be better, different, or more meaningful. They’re the ones who ask, “Is there a better way?” and mean it. In organizations, they’re often the spark that ignites innovation—but too often, their questions are dismissed as distractions, their curiosity mistaken for discontent. This genius is the birthplace of new ideas and the foundation of organizational health. Disruptive geniuses like Andrew Laffoon, who co-founded Mixbook, have built entire companies on the back of this genius, always asking what’s possible and never settling for the status quo.

The Genius of Invention

Invention is the genius of creating new ideas, solutions, and approaches. Those with this genius thrive on brainstorming, prototyping, and building something from nothing. They are the ones who see a blank page as an invitation, not a threat. Invention is essential for organizations that want to stay ahead of the curve, and it’s often the genius that drives disruptive geniuses to challenge the norm. The Table Group team has seen how invention, when paired with other types of working genius, can lead to breakthrough results and increased productivity.

The Genius of Discernment

Discernment is the quiet, intuitive sense of what will work and what won’t. It’s not about data or process, but about pattern recognition and uncanny judgment. Those with this genius can cut through noise, sensing the right path forward even when others are lost in options. In a world obsessed with metrics, the value of discernment is often underestimated—yet it’s the difference between chasing every idea and choosing the right one. The Table Group team has found that this genius is often the secret to team development and increased productivity. Leaders who possess discernment can guide their teams with uncanny judgment, helping them avoid costly missteps and focus on what truly matters.

The Genius of Galvanizing

Galvanizers are the catalysts. They rally people around a vision, infusing energy and urgency into the work. Their enthusiasm is contagious, turning inertia into action. Yet, in environments that prize quiet diligence, galvanizers can be misunderstood—seen as pushy or impatient, when in fact, they’re the heartbeat that keeps teams moving. Galvanizing is essential for leadership development and for sparking new ideas into motion. Orangetheory Fitness, for example, has built its brand on the power of galvanizing—motivating members to push past their limits and achieve greater potential through collective energy and support.

The Genius of Enablement

Enablement is the gift of support. These are the people who say, “How can I help?”—and mean it. They remove obstacles, offer encouragement, and make it possible for others to do their best work. In a culture that often glorifies solo achievement, the quiet power of enablement can be overlooked. But without it, even the best ideas stall. Enablement is the glue of teamwork and the foundation of organizational health. The working genius model recognizes enablement as a core driver of morale and team cohesion, ensuring that every member feels valued and supported.

The Genius of Tenacity

Tenacity is the relentless drive to see things through, to push past obstacles and deliver results. It’s the grit that turns plans into reality. Those with this genius thrive on closure and accomplishment. They’re the ones who keep going when others are ready to quit—not out of stubbornness, but out of a deep commitment to finishing well. Tenacity is the engine of increased productivity and the mark of true genius in execution. Orangetheory Fitness coaches, for example, embody tenacity as they encourage members to finish strong, no matter how tough the workout gets.

A Living System, Not a Hierarchy

It’s tempting to rank the 6 types of working genius, to see one as more valuable than another. But the truth is, every genius is essential. The most effective teams—and the most fulfilled individuals—are those who recognize the full spectrum of genius, honoring each contribution as vital to the whole. When you know your genius, you stop apologizing for what drains you and start leaning into what lights you up. And when teams are built with this awareness, work transforms from a grind into a generative, collaborative flow.

The shift begins here: not with fixing what’s “wrong,” but with seeing—clearly and compassionately—what’s already right within you. The working genius framework, as developed by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group, is a tool for personal discovery and team development, not a personality test or a rigid set of labels. It’s about understanding your innate talents and using them to unlock your greater potential, both for yourself and for those you lead.

Turning Insight Into Action: Mapping Your Own Genius

Pause for a moment and let the 6 types of working genius settle in your mind. Which ones felt like a homecoming—an echo of your best days at work, when time seemed to dissolve and your energy multiplied? And which ones felt heavy, like a pair of shoes a size too small? This is where the real transformation begins: not in theory, but in the honest mapping of your lived experience.

Start by reflecting on your recent workweek. Where did you feel most alive, most yourself? Was it in the early stages, dreaming up new ideas or sensing which ideas had real potential? Or did you come alive when rallying the team, smoothing the path for others, or driving a project across the finish line? Notice not just what you did, but how it felt. Energy is the truest compass here—pay attention to what gives you more of it, and what quietly drains it away.

If you’re leading a team, take this a step further. Imagine a meeting where each person’s genius is named and honored. What would shift if you stopped expecting everyone to thrive in the same way? How might you redesign roles, projects, or even your own expectations to better align with the natural strengths in the room? The invitation isn’t to label or limit, but to liberate—to create space for each person’s unique contribution to shine.

Ask yourself:

• Which two types of working genius feel most natural and energizing to me?
• Where in my current role am I spending time outside my genius—and what’s the cost in terms of energy, morale, and productivity?
• How might I have misunderstood or undervalued the genius of others on my team?
• What’s one small experiment I could try this week to spend more time in my zone of genius—or to invite others to do the same?

This is the bridge from insight to action. It’s not about overhauling your life overnight, but about making one conscious shift at a time—toward work that feels lighter, more meaningful, and unmistakably yours. The working genius assessment, created by Pat Lencioni and the Table Group, can be a powerful tool for this personal discovery, helping individuals and teams identify their true genius, working competencies, and working frustrations. Vitaspark, a leader in leadership development and organizational health, has seen firsthand how the 6 types of working genius can transform teams and unlock greater potential.

From Awareness to Alignment: The Genius Integration

When you see your work through the lens of the 6 types of working genius, something fundamental shifts. The heaviness you once blamed on your own shortcomings is revealed as a signal—a gentle nudge toward greater alignment, not a verdict on your worth. The types of working genius aren’t just categories; they’re invitations to honor what’s true for you and for those around you. This is the beginning of a new kind of clarity—one that doesn’t just explain your experience, but empowers you to reshape it.

Here’s what to carry forward:

• Your energy is data. When work feels light and time disappears, you’re likely operating in your genius. When it feels heavy, pay attention—misalignment is often the real culprit, and working frustrations are signals, not flaws.
• Every genius is essential. There is no hierarchy, only a living system. Teams thrive when each type is recognized and valued, not when everyone tries to be everything. The working genius framework is about integration, not competition.
• Self-awareness is the first step, but not the last. The real transformation happens when you use this insight to make conscious choices—about your work, your collaborations, and your leadership.

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

• Map your week: Track which tasks energize you and which deplete you. Look for patterns that reveal your genius—and your working frustrations.
• Start a conversation: Share the 6 types of working genius with your team or a trusted colleague. Invite them to reflect on their own zones of genius, working competencies, and working frustrations.
• Redesign one thing: Choose a single project, meeting, or responsibility and realign it to better fit your genius—or to honor someone else’s. This is the heart of team development and increased productivity.
• Celebrate difference: Notice and name the genius you see in others. Appreciation is the fuel of morale and alignment.

The journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—one choice, one conversation, one realignment at a time. When you honor your working genius, you don’t just unlock your own greater potential. You become a catalyst for energy, clarity, and fulfillment in everyone you lead. The 6 types of working genius, as outlined by Patrick Lencioni and the Table Group team, are a roadmap for organizational health, leadership development, and true genius at work. Whether you’re an individual seeking personal discovery, a leader aiming for increased productivity, or a certified working genius facilitator guiding teams, the invitation is the same: discover your genius, honor your working competencies, and transform your work into a source of fulfillment and success.

Integrating the 6 Types of Working Genius: Beyond the Assessment

The 6 types of working genius are not just a framework—they are a living system that can transform the way you approach work, leadership, and collaboration. The working genius assessment is a powerful starting point, but the real magic happens when you integrate these insights into your daily life. As a working genius certified facilitator or a certified working genius facilitator, you have the opportunity to guide teams and individuals toward greater alignment, fulfillment, and success.

Consider the story of Andrew Laffoon, a disruptive genius who leveraged his innate talents to build a thriving company. By understanding his own working genius and surrounding himself with a team that complemented his strengths, he was able to drive innovation, foster teamwork, and achieve remarkable results. The same principles apply to organizations like Orangetheory Fitness, where the 6 types of working genius are woven into the fabric of leadership development and team development, creating a culture of support, accountability, and growth.

Vitaspark has seen firsthand how the working genius model can unlock greater potential in teams and individuals. By honoring each person’s unique genius, organizations can foster a sense of belonging, boost morale, and drive increased productivity. The key is to move beyond the personality test mentality and embrace the working genius framework as a tool for ongoing personal discovery, team development, and organizational health.

From Frustration to Fulfillment: Your Next Step

As you reflect on the 6 types of working genius, remember that your energy is your compass. When work feels light and fulfilling, you’re likely operating in your zone of genius. When it feels heavy or draining, it’s a sign of misalignment—a call to realign your work with your innate talents and strengths. The journey from frustration to fulfillment begins with self-awareness, but it doesn’t end there. It’s about making conscious choices, having honest conversations, and creating environments where every type of working genius is valued and celebrated.

Whether you’re an individual seeking personal discovery, a leader committed to team development, or a certified working genius facilitator guiding others, the invitation is the same: honor your genius, embrace your working competencies, and transform your work into a source of energy, clarity, and success. The 6 types of working genius are not just a framework—they are a pathway to greater potential, fulfillment, and organizational health.

Ready to take the next step? Connect with us to explore how the 6 types of working genius can unlock your team’s greater potential. Schedule a time to discuss your team with our CEO and begin your journey toward confidence, clarity, connection, leadership, and balance.