The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Patrick Lencioni
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The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

What is your Working Genius? The Working Genius podcast is designed to help people identify their natural gifts and find joy and fulfillment in their work and life. Leadership and teamwork expert Patrick Lencioni and his team explore the Working Genius model and provide practical advice for applying this framework individually, at our jobs and in our homes. What type of work makes you thrive? Are you burning out because your job requires you to work in your areas of frustration? How can teams and families better tap into one another’s gifts? This podcast answers all these questions and more.

  1. 91. It's an E Thing

    22H AGO

    91. It's an E Thing

    What makes the Genius of Enablement (“E”) such a crucial part of team implementation? Episode 91 of the Working Genius Podcast dives into the Enablement Genius with guest Tracy Noble, Chief Development Officer at The Table Group. Pat, Cody, and Tracy explore the subtle power of Enablement—how it brings relational glue to implementation and drives team cohesion. They also unpack the differences between Enablement and people-pleasing, and how to regulate Enablement without shutting it down. Topics explored in this episode:  (0:52) The Complexity of Enablement * Tracy describes how her Discernment constantly informs her Enablement. * How Enablement is often misunderstood. * Enablement goes far beyond just being helpful or friendly. (4:35) Implementation, Not Just Helping * Enablement starts implementation with people, not tasks. * Teams without E often operate in silos. (9:09) Virtue Versus Genius * Enablement isn't the same as kindness—it can be self-serving in a good way. * Tracy shares why Enablement energizes her when it serves others. (13:44) Enablement in Action  * Enablement plays out in both personal moments and strategic leadership. (17:21) Regulating the E * Even Geniuses need regulation—especially Enablement. * Recognizing when Discernment is needed over Enablement. Thanks to Tracy Noble for being on the show!  Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-noble-025b40a/  This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workingGenius.com/about/assessment  Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial.  Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify

    23 min
  2. 90. Uppercase vs. Lowercase Genius

    JUL 1

    90. Uppercase vs. Lowercase Genius

    How can recognizing the “lowercase” application of your Working Genius improve your contributions to projects and increase your job fulfillment? In episode 90 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore the distinction between “uppercase” and “lowercase” expressions of the six Working Geniuses. Joined by Matt Lencioni, they unpack how to apply your genius even when it's not the dominant need in a situation.  Topics explored in this episode:  (0:53) Introducing Uppercase and Lowercase Genius * Using your genius in its "uppercase" glory or a "lowercase" supportive capacity. (4:34) Applying Genius in Different Contexts * Examples of uppercase geniuses, like a "Wonder" (W) initiating a new project or an "Inventor" (I) developing a new product. * How lowercase W or I contributes to a launch meeting by wondering and inventing within the launch's context. (8:16) Self-Regulation and Team Trust * The difference between unhelpfully disruptive uppercase contributions and service-oriented lowercase ones. (12:55) Shared Language  * Applying lowercase genius to prevent individuals from dominating. * How Working Genius provides a shared language for feedback, fostering trust. * Knowing one another's working geniuses allows for intentional delegation and contribution, leading to greater joy and fulfillment. A note for new listeners/viewers: In this episode, Pat and Cody dive deep into the Six Types of Working Genius, a model that helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. If you’re new to our framework, perhaps consider checking out some earlier episodes of The Working Genius Podcast. Or, if you’re interested, you can take The Six Types of Working Genius assessment, which is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Refresher: The initials discussed in this episode refer to:  W = Wonder.  I = Invention. D = Discernment. G = Galvanizing. E = Enablement. T = Tenacity. This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    21 min
  3. 89. Understanding vs. Judging: Averting the Fundamental Attribution Error

    JUN 17

    89. Understanding vs. Judging: Averting the Fundamental Attribution Error

    How often do you assume someone’s behavior is a flaw in their character instead of a feature of their genius? In episode 89 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack the “Fundamental Attribution Error” and how it damages relationships at work and at home. They explain how people often misjudge each other’s actions as flaws rather than features of their unique Working Genius. By walking through all six Geniuses, the hosts show how greater understanding can lead to less guilt, less judgment, and better collaboration. Topics explored in this episode:  (0:35) Understanding the Attribution Trap * The fundamental attribution error leads us to blame others’ character while excusing our own behavior. * Working Genius helps reframe annoying behaviors as strengths expressed out of context. (5:35) Wonder and Invention * Wonderers can be misjudged as unfocused, skeptical, or afraid to commit due to their questioning nature. * Inventors might be seen as flaky, ego-driven, undisciplined, or impatient due to their constant flow of new ideas. (12:38) Discernment and Galvanizing * Discerners are often misjudged as overly judgmental due to their evaluative nature. * Galvanizers can be perceived as overly enthusiastic, insincere, or bossy. (21:26) Enablement and Tenacity * People with enablement might be seen as unwilling to say no or even dishonest due to their eagerness to help and affirm. * People with tenacity can be unfairly seen as unsympathetic or afraid to fail because of their focus on finishing tasks. This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial.  Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (a href="https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0"...

    27 min
  4. 88. MBTI Is the Noun, Working Genius Is the Verb

    JUN 3

    88. MBTI Is the Noun, Working Genius Is the Verb

    How can your understanding of Myers-Briggs add to your Working Genius?  In episode 88 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody dive into the relationship between Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Six Types of Working Genius. They explore how MBTI describes who you are (the noun), while Working Genius describes what you do best (the verb). Through examples and insights, they show how combining both tools can improve self-awareness, team collaboration, and career decisions. Topics explored in this episode:  (00:40) Nouns vs. Verbs: The Core Difference * MBTI describes your personality preferences—the "noun" of who you are. * Working Genius identifies the activities you love—the "verb" of what you do. (04:30) A Crash Course in MBTI * The four MBTI dimensions: E/I, N/S, T/F, and J/P. * How these traits affect decision-making and communication. (7:31) No Overlap, But Total Alignment * Working Genius and MBTI have no direct correlation—and that’s a strength. * Personal anecdotes show how people with the same MBTI have different Working Geniuses. * The pairing of both tools unlocks richer insight into how someone works and thrives. (18:59) Real Examples * Stories from The Table Group that contrast MBTI and Working Genius. . (24:46) Advanced Nuance and Practical Use * The concept of a "secondary MBTI type." This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial.  Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0), and YouTube (a href="https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    30 min
  5. 87. “Quit Your Job” and Start Living Your Genius

    MAY 20

    87. “Quit Your Job” and Start Living Your Genius

    How can understanding and embracing your Working Genius help you redefine your concept of “work” and “retirement”? In episode 87 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson take on the increasingly common desire to quit work or retire early, questioning whether it's truly the job people want to escape—or the lack of fulfillment in how they work. Pat and Cody also explore how Working Genius can offer clarity and help people rediscover joy and meaning in their work. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Rethinking the Desire to Quit * How many people want to quit their jobs or retire early, yet the issue often isn’t the job itself but a misalignment with a person’s genius. (03:15) What Retirement Is Really About * Unpacking cultural assumptions about retirement and how it often becomes a symbol of freedom. * Pat warns that early retirement can be a form of escapism that leads to purposelessness. (06:24) The Role of Working Genius in Fulfillment * Working Genius can help you diagnose dissatisfaction at work. * Cody encourages people to use their genius as a compass, not a constraint. (09:54) The Gift of Work * The hosts reflect on how work is meant to be a gift, not a punishment. * Leaders are encouraged to help others find purpose in their work by matching genius to roles. (13:14) The Real Cost of Quitting * Quitting or retiring too early can rob people of meaningful impact. This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial. Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850. Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

    17 min
  6. 86. Preemptive Vulnerability: Turning Your Quirks into Connection

    MAY 6

    86. Preemptive Vulnerability: Turning Your Quirks into Connection

    What does “preemptive vulnerability” mean, why is it essential in leadership, and how can it build trust within a team? In episode 86 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick and Cody explore the concept of "preemptive vulnerability"—the practice of leading with humility before you're forced to. They reflect on how leaders can build deeper trust and connection by proactively admitting weaknesses, asking for help, and owning mistakes. With real-life examples and signature humor, they unpack how this small but courageous step can change everything for teams. Topics explored in this episode:  (00:36) Why Vulnerability Matters More Than Ever * How some leaders wait for a fall from grace before showing humility. * Vulnerability, when modeled early, builds lasting trust and safety. (06:33) The Power of Going First * Why we appreciate leaders who admit flaws before they’re exposed. (13:12) The Psychology Behind Vulnerability in Leadership * Pat compares preemptive vulnerability to a “hack” that bypasses defensiveness. * Leaders who go first create a ripple effect across their teams. (20:14) Real-World Examples  * Pat and Cody talk about CEOs who earned loyalty by owning their shortcomings early. (27:30) What You Can Do Today * Simple starting points for practicing preemptive vulnerability. This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial.  Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0), and YouTube (a href="https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    35 min
  7. 85. Don’t Fake It Till You Make It: Why Honesty Beats Pretending

    APR 22

    85. Don’t Fake It Till You Make It: Why Honesty Beats Pretending

    Why is it dangerous to "fake it till you make it" when it comes to your Working Genius? In episode 85 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore the pitfalls of "faking it till you make it," particularly in the context of the six Working Geniuses. They discuss how pretending to possess certain geniuses—especially Galvanizing, Enabling, and Tenacity—can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, even if it seems successful in the short term. They also emphasize the importance of aligning work with your natural geniuses for long-term fulfillment and success.  Topics explored in this episode:  (00:51) Faking It Undermines Team Trust * Faking a role outside your genius may temporarily fool others but drains energy and joy. (3:48) When Observation Misleads * People often mistake visible productivity for true capability and fulfillment. * Internal processes like Discerning or Inventing can't be copied just by watching someone do the work. (7:36) Success in the Wrong Game * Achieving mastery in an area outside your genius often leads to burnout, not true fulfillment. * Mimicking Tenacity or Enablement might bring professional praise but leaves people feeling empty. (11:24) Misalignment at Work * Many early career roles overvalue G.E.T. work, unintentionally alienating people with W.I.D. geniuses. * Discovering the Working Genius framework helps reframe these challenges as fixable, not personal flaws. (15:12) The Cost of Faking It * People often carry unnecessary guilt when they struggle in roles that don't match their genius. * Leaders can free people from burnout by helping them realign with their natural gifts. A note for new listeners/viewers: In this episode, Pat and Cody dive deep into the Six Types of Working Genius, a model that helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. If you’re new to our framework, perhaps consider checking out some earlier episodes of The Working Genius Podcast. Or, if you’re interested, you can take The Six Types of Working Genius assessment, which is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment  Refresher: The initials discussed in this episode refer to:  W = Wonder.  I = Invention. D = Discernment. G = Galvanizing. E = Enablement. T = Tenacity. This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).  Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/ and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial. Connect with Cody Thompson on a...

    19 min
  8. Humility is the Booster

    APR 8

    Humility is the Booster

    How does humility enhance the application of your Working Geniuses in both personal and professional settings? Humility is the secret ingredient that elevates teamwork, leadership, and productivity. In this episode, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore how humility acts as a booster within the Working Genius framework. They also discuss why embracing humility allows you to work more effectively within your strengths while also building stronger, more cohesive teams. Topics explored in this episode:  (03:03) What is Humility? *Humility enhances an individual’s ability to utilize their natural talents. (11:05) Why Humility Matters *Leaders who embrace humility build stronger, more resilient teams. (15:48) Humility as a Booster *How humility acts as an accelerant to strengths and gifts—even outside your genius zone. (21:01) Team Collaboration *Teams with humility communicate more openly and work through challenges effectively. (22:30) Recognizing the Absence of Humility *A lack of humility leads to dysfunction and conflict within teams. (24:06) Cultivating Humility *Why most people welcome the awareness of their weaknesses—and how to embrace that mindset. This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.  The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work. Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.  Follow Pat Lencioni on LinkedIn and YouTube.  Connect with Cody Thompson on LinkedIn.  Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts, Spotfy, and YouTube.  Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.  This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

    25 min
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What is your Working Genius? The Working Genius podcast is designed to help people identify their natural gifts and find joy and fulfillment in their work and life. Leadership and teamwork expert Patrick Lencioni and his team explore the Working Genius model and provide practical advice for applying this framework individually, at our jobs and in our homes. What type of work makes you thrive? Are you burning out because your job requires you to work in your areas of frustration? How can teams and families better tap into one another’s gifts? This podcast answers all these questions and more.

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