In part one, we explored how understanding your personal working genius can unlock new levels of productivity and fulfillment. Now, let’s dive into how you can apply the Six Working Geniuses to build a cohesive, high-performing team. When each team member operates in their zone of genius, collaboration becomes seamless, productivity skyrockets, and the entire team functions as a unified force.
Unleashing Collective Genius
A team is only as strong as its weakest link. But what if every member was placed in a role that played to their natural strengths? That’s the vision behind the Six Working Geniuses model. By understanding each team member’s unique genius, you can align tasks and responsibilities in a way that brings out the best in everyone.
If projects are getting "stuck" or it feels like the team isn't moving fast enough, it could be that your team is missing some "genius". When everyone operates within their working genius and we have all the geniuses represented, something powerful happens—synergy. It’s no longer about forcing people into roles that drain them but empowering them to do the work that energizes them. This is where teams start to thrive.
Understanding Your Team's Geniuses
To create a high-performing team, you first need to identify each member’s genius. Every person brings a unique strength to the table, and by understanding those strengths, you can better assign roles that align with their gifts.
Here’s a quick overview of how each genius contributes to a team:
Wonder: These individuals ask the bigger questions and challenge assumptions. They see the potential for improvement and push the team to think creatively.
Discernment: Discerners excel at making decisions. They use their intuition and judgment to guide the team toward the best ideas and solutions.
Galvanizing: The natural motivators, Galvanizers rally the team and ensure that everyone is on board and energized.
Enablement: The supporters, people with Enablement, provide the necessary assistance to move ideas forward, helping the team work more effectively.
Tenacity: The finishers. Tenacity-driven team members are focused on getting things done and seeing projects through to completion.
Invention: Inventors are the idea generators. They bring fresh perspectives and solutions, helping the team innovate and overcome challenges.
Assigning Roles Based on Strengths
Once you’ve identified each team member’s genius, the next step is to align their roles with their strengths. This isn’t about rigid job descriptions—it’s about flexibility and fluidity, allowing people to step into roles that play to their genius.
For example:
Let the Inventors focus on coming up with innovative solutions to challenges.
Assign Galvanizers to rally the team and drive engagement.
Allow Tenacity-driven individuals to take ownership of project completion.
By aligning roles with strengths, you not only boost productivity but also create a sense of ownership and engagement. When people feel like their contributions are valued, they become more invested in the team’s success.
Creating Synergy and Boosting Team Morale
When each team member operates in their zone of genius, synergy happens. Collaboration becomes effortless because everyone is working from their place of strength. Ideas flow freely, tasks get completed efficiently, and the team moves toward a common goal with purpose and clarity.
But this kind of synergy doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of intentional alignment. By creating space for each person to contribute meaningfully, you build a team where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Boosting Morale and Engagement
One of the greatest benefits of applying the Six Working Geniuses model to your team is the boost in morale and engagement. When people are working in alignment with their strengths, they feel more fulfilled and energized. They’re not just going through the motions—they’re fully engaged in the work because it resonates with who they are.
The Ripple Effect of a Genius-Aligned Team
Building a team based on working genius doesn’t just impact productivity—it transforms the entire team dynamic. When people feel valued and are given opportunities to work within their zone of genius, collaboration improves, creativity thrives, and everyone is working toward a shared vision.
This approach to team building fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and growth. When each person is contributing from their natural strengths, the team becomes unstoppable.
Bringing it all together
The Six Working Geniuses model is a game-changer, not just for individual productivity but for team cohesion. By aligning roles with strengths, creating synergy, and boosting morale, you can unlock the full potential of your team. It’s time to step into your collective genius and create a team that thrives, collaborates, and achieves extraordinary results.
Final thoughts:
By implementing Patrick Lencioni’s Six Working Geniuses model, you can create an environment where productivity thrives, collaboration deepens, and team members are energized to contribute their best.
If you're ready to tap into your team’s full potential, I’d love to be your guide. As a Certified Six Working Geniuses Guide, I’ll help you and your team unlock strengths, improve collaboration, and ignite powerful growth. Contact me to book a Team Workshop.
Interested in more of TheUpSide content? Find me on Instagram or feel free to read more on TheUPSide Blogs.
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