“The 6 Types of Working Genius” is a book by Patrick Lencioni and is sure to revolutionize the way you build your team!
As someone who’s been in the trenches of entrepreneurship, I can tell you firsthand the incredible impact the 6 types of working genius framework has had on my journey. This book lived on my desk at all times. I reviewed it often and I shared it with my team.
For this reason it’s been my secret weapon, my guiding light, and today I’m thrilled to share it’s transformative power with you!
Today in 5 minutes or less…
- The 6 Types of working genius
- Hiring tips
- Action Items for Success
The 6 Types of Working Genius
Finding your working genius and your employees’ working geniuses, competencies, and frustrations will help you to achieve the peace that we all want when we lay our heads down at night.
There’s work that drains and work that energizes you. Your working geniuses are what energize you and if you spend your days doing what you’re good at you’ll never feel burned out.
Most people have a combination of 2 working genius. Identify and map your team’s so you get better cooperation from everyone.
Here are the 6 types of working genius:
Working Genius 1: Wonder
In a team meeting discussing a new project, the wonderer will likely ask questions like, “What innovative approaches could we explore to make this project stand out?”
- Asks questions to stimulate innovation and improvement
- Wonderers excel in brainstorming sessions by exploring new ideas and possibilities
Working Genius 2: Invention
In a brainstorming session the inventor will be the one who suggests something nobody else has thought of yet, like integrating augmented reality in a unique way.
- Proposes novel solutions or products
- Innovators thrive in creative environments by generating groundbreaking concepts and approaches
Working Genius 3: Discernment
In a strategic planning session the person who has discernment plays a crucial role by seeing risks and opportunities.
- Exhibits strong instincts and judgement in evaluating risks and opportunities
- Discerners play a critical role in strategic planning and identifying patterns and pitfalls
Working Genius 4: Galvanizing
The galvanizer is the one who rallies everyone around a shared vision during a team meeting by giving an inspiring speech or encouraging the team to tackle challenges head on.
- Inspires and motivates team members to pursue shared goals
- Galvanizers energize the team with enthusiasm and a compelling vision that rallies the team to action
Working Genius 5: Enablement
On a project the enabler is the person who coordinates resources and team members and ensures success by making sure everyone has what they need to succeed.
- The secret weapon to facilitate success by providing necessary resources and support
- Enablers ensure smooth operations and empower others to achieve their goals
Working Genius 6: Tenacity
In the face of setbacks the tenacious person stays focused and perseveres to the finish line of the project.
- Demonstrates resilience and persistence in overcoming obstacles
- Tenacious people drive projects to completion with unwavering determination- they love to finish things
Hiring Tips to Use the Working Genius Framework
Review and revise your interview questions
Gear your questions toward the working genius you’re looking for.
It’s best to ask open ended questions. You want to encourage your interviewee to talk and give information.
Example: Tell me a time you had a disagreement with a coworker.
Screen applicants
Screen for criminal activity but also screen for the traits of the working genius you’re looking to hire.
I always check public records to ensure there’s no violent crimes or theft in a person’s background. Then I’d look into their social media accounts to get an idea of who they are and what their values are.
If I was interested in knowing more about the applicant I’d do a 15 to 30 minute phone interview. I’d focus on determining if the person’s core values aligned with the company’s.
“How would you respond to…” and “What would you do..” is a good way to start those types of questions.
Ask probing questions during the interview
Encourage interviewees to tell you more about who they are and the things they say about themselves. If you’re looking for a galvanizer the question below will tell you if this person is that or not by the way they handle conflict.
Example:
You: Tell me a time you had a disagreement with a coworker.
Them: Um, ya. I can remember a time when Bob told me to do something I thought was wrong and we argued about it.
You: Tell me more about the situation.
Complete a minimum of 2 interviews before hiring
One interview isn’t enough to get a real idea of the type of person you’re interviewing and if they fit the working genius profile you’re after.
Completing two interviews allows you to repeat some questions. This gives you a chance to determine the honesty of the interviewee’s answers.
People are well rehearsed in interviewing. They know the answers hiring managers are looking for. By asking probing questions and repeating questions you get them to dig deeper and give real answers, not scripted ones.
Now, if you’re ready to unlock your potential and that of your team with the 6 types of working genius then follow the action steps below!
Actions for Success
- Create a hiring strategy based around the 6 types of working genius
- Test it
- Review and revise it
