What Is Your Genius?
At Myriad Engineering, we understand the significance of building a strong team and ensuring that every new hire fits well within our organisation. While we acknowledge that skills can be taught and attitude is crucial, we also recognise the importance of something more: genius.
Patrick Lencioni’s concept of “The Six Types of Working Genius” has become integral to our company culture, helping us develop a successful team and maximise individual potential.
Patrick Lencioni, a renowned author with expertise in team dynamics, developed the model after the initial COVID-19 lockdown. Although the concept is relatively new, it has gained traction for a reason — it offers valuable insights into hiring practices, team dynamics, and optimising individual contributions.
We first came across the “genius” model while attending a video stream, organised by our business mentor, Daryl Narain of The Alternative Board. During our monthly Alternative Board meetings we engage with other business owners for peer support and knowledge sharing. These gatherings provide an invaluable sense of camaraderie and support, as we connect with individuals from various industries who share our concerns and experiences.
According to the working genius model, there are six fundamental activities required in any business, and it is essential for successful teams to have representation from all six areas.
By assigning people to roles that Bring staff energy and fulfillment, we create an environment where team members can work on tasks that truly motivate and engage them.
The six different genius types are as follows:
- Wonder: Individuals who possess a visionary perspective and see the potential in situations and ideas.
- Invention: People who excel at generating new ideas and innovative solutions.
- Discernment: Individuals with a talent for evaluating and assessing ideas to determine their feasibility and impact.
- Galvanizing: Those who excel at inspiring and motivating others to take action on ideas.
- Enablement: People who possess the skills to bring ideas to life, providing the necessary support and resources.
- Tenacity: Individuals who are relentless in pushing ideas to completion and ensuring their successful implementation.
In an ideal scenario, individuals would be matched with roles that align with their genius type, and the organisation would have a balance of all genius types across the team.
Each genius type brings unique strengths to the table, and when combined, they form a cohesive and productive unit, much like different links in a chain.
Understanding each staff member’s strengths and frustrations has proven to be a valuable tool for hiring new staff, as it allows us to identify candidates whose genius aligns with the requirements of specific roles. Additionally, it has helped our existing team members better understand and appreciate each other’s differing opinions and work styles. By gaining insights into their own genius type, individuals can better comprehend their roles and leverage their strengths within the team. Ultimately, this approach fosters a positive and empowering work environment.
We encourage you to explore the 10-minute online assessment tool available to discover your own genius type. Understanding your areas of genius can bring clarity to your professional journey and help you find roles where you can excel and thrive.