Unlocking Team Potential: How Understanding Working Genius Fuels Growth
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Understanding the Value of 'Working Genius'
Every individual possesses unique talents and abilities that shape how they think, act, and feel. However, in professional settings, we often assume that others will respond in the same way we do. This misconception can lead to frustration, particularly when working in teams.
In a workplace environment, it's crucial to recognize that collaboration is essential for success. Just as in sports, where various roles contribute to a team's performance, businesses thrive on the diverse skills of their members. While hard skills are often easy to assess, identifying the innate talents of each team member can be more challenging.
For this reason, we recommend using the 'Working Genius' framework, a tool developed by Patrick Lencioni and his team at the Table Group. This approach offers a more practical alternative to traditional personality assessments like Myers-Briggs, which can be insightful but lack actionable applications.
Patrick Lencioni's 'Working Genius': An Overview
Lencioni's 'Working Genius' framework emerged from his research on high-performing teams. He aimed to create a tool that would allow businesses to grasp the unique talents within their groups. The core idea is that team success hinges on collaboration and leveraging individual strengths rather than relying solely on individual efforts.
The 'Working Genius' model is straightforward and takes just ten minutes to complete. Participants fill out a survey that reveals their areas of genius, competency, and frustration.
The Six Types of Working Genius
The Working Genius model categorizes talents into six distinct types, summarized by the acronym 'WIDGET':
- Genius of Wonder: The individual who asks, "What if we tried this?"
- Genius of Invention: The creative mind that generates new ideas.
- Genius of Discernment: The critical thinker who evaluates ideas for viability.
- Genius of Galvanizing: The motivator who rallies the team around new concepts.
- Genius of Enablement: The supporter who provides necessary resources.
- Genius of Tenacity: The person who sees projects through to completion.
Without representatives of at least two of these genius types, teams can struggle to progress effectively. The first two geniuses, Wonder and Invention, focus on ideation, while the latter two, Discernment and Galvanizing, relate to activation. The last pair, Enablement and Tenacity, are essential for implementation.
The Importance of Role Alignment
Utilizing the Working Genius framework can help you evaluate whether you have the right mix of talents on your team. Each person possesses two geniuses that energize them, two competencies they can manage, and two areas of frustration where they may struggle.
For instance, consider how different individuals contribute uniquely to team dynamics. If one team member excels in Invention while another thrives in Discernment, they can complement each other effectively. However, expecting everyone to perform tasks in the same way can lead to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction.
Filling Team Gaps
One of the most significant advantages of Working Genius is its capacity to identify skill gaps within teams. For example, in a coaching scenario involving two teams that appeared similar, one team consistently took longer to complete tasks.
After implementing the Working Genius survey, it became clear that the slower team was predominantly composed of individuals with Discernment as their working genius. They felt compelled to voice their opinions on every idea, whereas the more balanced team included a mix of ideation, activation, and implementation skills, allowing them to work more efficiently.
Recognizing Individual Strengths and Weaknesses
In teams lacking the geniuses of Ideation, Activation, and Tenacity, members often experience frustration and guilt. They struggle to understand why progress is slow and may judge each other harshly based on their own performance standards.
Typically, managers who excel in specific areas may not recognize the importance of diverse skill sets, leading to misallocation of tasks. By leveraging the Working Genius framework, teams can better understand their collective strengths and assign roles accordingly.
Maximizing Productivity and Job Satisfaction
Aligning team members with roles that capitalize on their Working Genius will naturally enhance both productivity and job satisfaction. Many individuals have experienced positions where they felt constrained by tasks that did not align with their strengths.
By allowing team members to focus on what they do best, you can foster a motivated and efficient work environment. Lencioni emphasizes that recognizing and balancing the various geniuses within a team sets the stage for collective success, reducing the usual workplace guilt and judgment.
Strategic Meeting Planning
Understanding the different geniuses also aids in structuring meetings effectively. Individuals with Wonder and Invention excel in high-level discussions, while those with Enablement and Tenacity thrive in hands-on planning sessions.
By considering these dynamics, teams can avoid the frustration of unproductive meetings and ensure everyone contributes meaningfully.
Diagnosing Team Challenges
The Working Genius framework also serves as a diagnostic tool for identifying team challenges. If a team lacks Invention, for example, they may struggle to generate new ideas, leading to stagnation.
In such cases, consider alternative approaches to stimulate creativity, whether through external collaboration or shifts in team composition.
Integrating Working Genius into Recruitment
The insights gained from Working Genius can extend to recruitment processes. By understanding the talents needed for specific roles, organizations can make more informed hiring decisions.
For instance, if a company undergoing a business model transition needs new leadership, recognizing the necessity for individuals with Invention and Discernment will guide their search and ensure alignment with their strategic goals.
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Written by business growth coach Dominic Monkhouse. Find out more about his work here. Read his book, 'F**k Plan B' here.
Dominic is the Founder and Director of Monkhouse & Company, a Business Coaching company for high-growth tech firms. If you're passionate about growth, email him at [email protected].