Introduction

We students of Proakatemia had the chance to watch the presentation of the well-known writer Patrick Lencioni during NBF (Nordic Business Forum). Lencioni is a popular figure in the business field due to his highly-sold and consolidated book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” During his speech in the NBF, the writer presented a new theory that he and his team have been studying, testing, and perfecting. The theory is about all humans having two geniuses. These geniuses would be characteristics people naturally have. In total, the theory covers 6 different genius possibilities, and it says these characteristics allow people to get into a flow when the work is related to these geniuses.

Could one or some of these geniuses be a needed skill for leadership that people could have already been born with? If yes, could one still develop these skills even without naturally having the ability?

The 6 Types of Working Genius

Lencioni presented 6 different working geniuses.

The first one is wonder: the ability to see potential. Contemplating the prospect of enhanced potential and increased opportunities within a specific context is a profound and intrinsic aspect of human nature. This genius engages in introspective. When individuals engage in the act of pondering, they are essentially harnessing the power of their cognitive faculties to explore uncharted territories, problem-solve, and chart new courses of action.

The second is invention: you see ideas. This genius involves the innate ability to generate original and novel ideas and solutions, which is again, a fundamental facet of human ingenuity. This unique capacity to create innovative concepts and problem-solving approaches.

The next genius is discernment: you assess ideas. The inherent ability to instinctively assess ideas and situations is a valuable natural gift. This intuitive skill allows individuals to quickly and effortlessly weigh the merits and drawbacks of various concepts and circumstances. It plays a crucial role in decision-making, problem-solving, and navigating the complexities of daily life. This intuitive evaluation process draws on our subconscious knowledge and past experiences, guiding us toward informed choices and actions. It sheds light on how humans make rapid judgments and navigate the world with a combination of learned wisdom and innate intuition.

One more genius, galvanizing: you rally others to act on ideas. Galvanizing genius covers the innate ability to motivate, inspire, and coordinate others to engage in action. This natural gift is instrumental in bringing about collective efforts and achieving common goals. When individuals possess this talent, they can energize and mobilize people toward a shared purpose, whether it’s in a social cause, a team project, or a larger societal movement. This skill involves effective communication and the capacity to connect with others emotionally, sparking enthusiasm and commitment.

The fifth genius is enablement: you help to bring ideas to life. The genius of enablement would be the ability to offer support and encouragement to bring up an idea or project. This natural gift plays a crucial role in helping concepts and initiatives thrive. When individuals possess this talent, they can provide the necessary resources, guidance, and motivation to empower others, facilitating their progress and success. This skill requires empathy, mentorship, and a willingness to invest in the growth of others.

Finally, tenacity: you push ideas to completion. The genius of tenacity talks about the ability to persistently drive projects or tasks to completion, ultimately achieving desired results. This natural gift is a driving force behind accomplishing goals. When individuals possess this quality, they possess the determination, perseverance, and resilience needed to overcome obstacles and see tasks through to the end. This skill is vital in various domains, ensuring that efforts translate into tangible outcomes.

Conclusion

In his presentation, Lencioni gives an example using himself. He talks about how he feels really good and energized when he’s doing certain parts of his job, but he feels less motivated when doing other parts. His solution is to figure out what you’re really good at (your geniuses) and then choose to do work that matches your strengths. He suggests not spending too much time on tasks that don’t naturally suit you. Lencioni is clear that we can still do tasks that aren’t our natural strengths and even be very good at them. However, doing these tasks for too long can make us unhappy and lead to burnout.

Some of the skills are clearly effective for leadership. For example, galvanization is essential in team organizing, as it provides insights into how individuals harness the power of collective action and inspire positive change. Another example, the enablement genius, applies perfectly to project management, as it highlights the significance of fostering an environment where ideas can flourish and individuals can reach their full potential. For tenacity, the genius underscores the importance of firm commitment to achieving desired results. The list would keep going, but it’s relevant to notice that all the geniuses can be a strong skill for leadership.

The 6 Types of Working Genius
https://www.workinggenius.com/

6 TYPES OF WORKING GENIUS: NEW LEADERSHIP TOOL FROM PATRICK LENCION
Ihttps://www.thegrowthfaculty.com/blog/6typesofworkinggenius