Working Genius: The Widget Test by Patrick Lencioni (2023)

Are you ready to discover your natural abilities and inclinations when it comes to work-related activities? Then look no further than Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius Model.

This framework is based on the idea that everyone has unique talents that can be identified and nurtured to enhance productivity and job satisfaction.

By understanding the six types of working genius, including Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity, individuals and organizations can identify their strengths and weaknesses, and create a more effective and efficient workplace.

So, let's dive in and explore each type of working genius in more detail.

Wonder

Wonder is one of the six types of working genius, and it's about having an insatiable desire to explore and understand the world around us. If you possess the working genius of wonder, you might find yourself asking questions, seeking out new information, and constantly exploring new ideas.

Encouraging wonder in the workplace means creating a space that encourages curiosity and provides opportunities for learning and growth. As a manager, you can foster wonder by promoting a culture of curiosity and providing resources that facilitate exploration.

Invention

Invention is another type of working genius that involves the ability to come up with new and innovative ideas, products, or services. If you have the working genius of invention, you're a creative problem solver who can think outside the box.

In the workplace, this talent can be applied by encouraging employees to think creatively and to approach problems with an open mind. As a manager, you can cultivate invention by creating an environment that encourages experimentation and rewards creativity.

Discernment

Discernment is all about the ability to evaluate and analyze information to make informed decisions. Those who possess the working genius of discernment can look at a situation, assess the information, and determine the best course of action.

In the workplace, discernment can be applied by encouraging employees to make decisions based on data and analysis. As a manager, you can foster discernment by providing employees with access to relevant information, encouraging critical thinking, and empowering employees to make decisions based on their expertise and knowledge.

Galvanizing

Galvanizing is one of the six types of working genius and involves the ability to inspire and energize others towards achieving a common goal. Individuals who possess this working genius have a natural ability to motivate and encourage others, and to create a sense of urgency and momentum towards a shared vision.

In the workplace, galvanizing can be applied by leaders and managers to rally their teams around a common purpose and to inspire them to work towards a collective goal. It can also be used by individuals to influence and inspire their colleagues, to promote a positive work culture, and to encourage team cohesion through shared purpose and commitment.

Enablement

Enablement is another type of working genius that involves the ability to provide others with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve their goals. Individuals who possess this working genius have a natural inclination towards identifying the needs of others and providing guidance and encouragement along the way.

In the workplace, enablement can be applied by managers and team leaders to support the professional growth and development of their team members, and to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

It can also be used by individuals to empower their colleagues, to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and to create a supportive work environment that values growth and development.

Tenacity

Tenacity is the working genius of perseverance, persistence, and determination towards achieving goals. Individuals who possess this working genius have a natural ability to stay focused and motivated in the face of obstacles and setbacks, and to maintain a sense of purpose and drive towards success.

In the workplace, tenacity can be applied by individuals to maintain focus and motivation in the face of challenges, and to stay committed to their goals even when progress is slow. It can also be used by leaders to inspire and encourage their teams to stay committed to their goals, and to foster a culture of resilience and perseverance that values hard work and dedication.

How to Discover Your Working Genius

Discovering your working genius can be a challenging task, but there are several ways to go about it. One approach is to take some time for self-reflection and to think about activities that you enjoy doing and are good at. Seeking feedback from colleagues or taking an online assessment can also provide valuable insights into your strengths.

By identifying your working genius, you can gain a better understanding of how to leverage your strengths in the workplace to increase your engagement and productivity.

The Importance of Understanding Working Genius in the Workplace

Understanding working genius can have a significant impact on team dynamics and productivity in the workplace. By assigning tasks that align with team members' strengths, managers can ensure that employees are engaged and fulfilled in their work. This results in increased job satisfaction and higher levels of productivity.

By identifying the working geniuses of individual team members, managers can also create a more efficient and effective team, leading to better outcomes for the organization.

Examples of Applying Working Genius in the Workplace

The working genius model has been successfully applied in various industries to achieve success. For instance, a marketing team may benefit from a team member with a talent for galvanizing, who can energize and inspire the team. In contrast, a finance team may need someone with strong discernment skills, who can evaluate and analyze financial data to make informed decisions.

By applying the working genius model in the workplace, teams can optimize their performance and achieve their goals. Additionally, understanding each other's working genius can also promote teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect among colleagues.

In a world where job satisfaction is a priority, Patrick Lencioni's Working Genius Model is an innovative way to help you understand your natural talents and apply them to work-related activities.

By recognizing your unique strengths and weaknesses, you can increase your productivity and find fulfillment in your work. The six types of working genius: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity, can provide insight into how individuals can work together to create effective and efficient teams.

Feeling stuck in your current role? Take the time to reflect on your own experiences, passions, and skill sets to discover your working genius. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from colleagues and superiors to identify your strengths and how they can be applied in your work.

Share the Working Genius model with your team to encourage them to do the same. By leveraging your working genius, you can increase your job satisfaction and productivity while contributing to team success. So why wait? Take the first step to discovering your working genius today!

Why Patrick Lencioni?

I’m passionate about investing in people to become everything they can be. That’s why Patrick Lencioni is, by far, my favourite author on leadership. His principles aren’t just for the best of the organisation; they’re for the best of people.

I love his approach which could be summarised by his statement regarding building healthy teams, “it is both possible and remarkably simple. But it is painfully difficult.”

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