The 6 Types of Working
At a Glance

The Categories for
Self-Assessment

Category 1: Working Genius
Each of us has two areas that are considered our true geniuses. These
are the activities that give us joy, energy, and passion. As a result, we
are usually quite good in these areas. It’s best for us and the
organizations we serve if we can do much, if not most, of our work in
these areas.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Category 2: Working Competency
Two of the six areas of genius would be considered our working
competencies. These are the activities that we find neither completely
miserable nor completely joyful, and which we can do fairly well,
perhaps even very well. Most of us can manage to operate in our
working competencies fairly well for a while, but we will eventually
grow weary if we are not allowed to exercise our true geniuses.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Category 3: Working Frustration
Finally, each of us has two types of work that drain us of our joy and
energy, and we call these our working frustrations. We usually struggle
in these activities. Of course, no one can completely avoid working in
our areas of frustration from time to time, but if we find ourselves
spending meaningful time engaged in these activities, we are bound to
experience misery at work, and ultimately, struggle or even fail.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Genius vs. Competency vs. Frustration
Even though each type is called a genius, no one person can claim all
six as their individual geniuses. We all have areas where we thrive,
areas where we struggle, and areas that fall somewhere in between.
Let’s take a look at each of those three categories, because success
requires us to understand the areas where we shine as well as those
where we don’t.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

The 6 Types of Working Genius

Wonder
The ability to ponder and speculate and question the state of things,
asking the questions that provoke answers and action. People with this
genius lose themselves in observing the world around them and
wondering whether things shouldn’t be different or whether there is
untapped potential that should be tapped.
The genius of wonder is the gift that compels someone to imagine.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Invention
The ability to come up with new ideas and solutions. People with this genius
are drawn toward origination, creativity, and ingenuity in the truest sense of
those words, even with little direction and context. Though every type is a
genius, these are the people who are most often referred to as “geniuses”
because many of their ideas seem to come out of thin air.
The genius of invention is the gift that compels someone to create.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Discernment
This genius is related to instinct, intuition, and uncanny judgment. People
with this genius have a natural ability to assess an idea or situation, even
without a lot of data or expertise. Using pattern recognition and gut feel,
they are able to provide valuable advice and feedback around most subjects
in a way that transcends their levels of specific knowledge or information.
The genius of discernment is the gift that compels someone to tap the
brakes and evaluate.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Galvanizing
This genius is about rallying, motivating, and provoking people to take
action around an idea or an initiative. People with this genius are
naturally inclined to inspire and enlist others to get involved in an
endeavor. They don’t mind persuading people to rethink or change
their plans in order to embark on something worthwhile.
The genius of galvanizing is the gift that compels someone to promote.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Enablement
This genius of enablement involves providing people with support and
assistance in the way that it is needed. People with this genius are adept at
responding to the needs of others without conditions or restrictions. They
are naturally inclined to help others accomplish their goals and often can
anticipate what people might need before they even ask. Individuals with the
Genius of Enablement are frequently unaware that this is a genius at all.
The genius of enablement is the gift that compels someone to execute.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni

Tenacity
This genius is about the satisfaction of pushing things across the finish line to
completion. People with this genius are not only capable of, but naturally
inclined to, finish projects and ensure that they are completed according to
specification. They gain energy by pushing through obstacles and seeing the
impact of their work, and they find joy in crossing tasks off their list and
getting closure.
The genius of tenacity is the gift that compels someone to finish.
Source: “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni