The Genius of Working Genius
You know that incredible feeling when you finally have language for something you’ve felt for a long time but couldn’t quite put into words?!? That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Patrick Lencioni’s The Six Types of Working Genius. Learning that my Geniuses are Discernment (D) and Galvanizing (G) was a huge AHA moment—suddenly, so much clicked. Why some work fuels me, why other work drains me, and even why I’ve felt tension in certain roles and seasons.
I have strong instincts. I can see patterns, spot gaps, and sense when something is (or, more often, isn’t) the right move. And I love rallying people around a compelling vision—getting them aligned, engaged, and moving toward the destination. But where I’ve felt friction (and, honestly, exhaustion) is when I’ve had to Galvanize an idea that I didn’t fully believe in. My Discernment doesn’t turn off, so when something feels off, pushing it forward can feel inauthentic. That disconnect has been a major source of frustration, and now I finally understand why.
Working Genius also helped me see a gap I’ve intuitively felt for a long time—the Activation stage of work is often overlooked. We talk a lot about moving from ideation to execution, but without someone to refine the idea (D) and someone to get people excited to act on it (G), even the best ideas can stall out or fizzle. It’s not just about having a vision—it’s about making sure it’s the right vision and that people are actually bought in.
The best part? I’m stepping deeper into my “sweet spot.” I love coming alongside visionary leaders and ideators to help them refine, define, and mobilize—bringing clarity, alignment, and momentum to their work. I get to bridge the gap between inspiration and impact, and this is the work I was made for.
If you’ve taken the Working Genius, I’d love to hear—what were your biggest takeaways? How has it helped you understand your work and where you thrive? Let’s talk in the comments! ⬇️
💡 This podcast was a great listen on the role of Activation:
🎧 The Three Phases of Work | At The Table Podcast
🔗 https://lnkd.in/e6GwB_Ef
Haven’t taken the Working Genius assessment yet? Do it. It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/e2j_2UH5
