The Six Types Of Working Genius Assessment

So there I was, staring at my third cup of coffee at 10 AM, feeling like I’d rather clean a public toilet with a toothbrush than finish the spreadsheet staring back at me. My colleague, Sarah, on the other hand, was humming while reorganizing the team’s entire project plan. I felt lazy. She looked like a productivity saint.

But here’s the kicker: I wasn’t lazy. I was just doing the wrong kind of work. And that’s when I stumbled onto something that changed everything: The Six Types of Working Genius Assessment.

You’ve probably heard of the Enneagram or StrengthsFinder. This is like their cooler, more practical cousin—the one who actually helps you get stuff done without making you question your soul’s purpose. Created by Patrick Lencioni (yes, the same guy who wrote all those fables about leadership), this model dumbs down productivity into something almost embarrassingly simple.

The core idea: We all have two geniuses

Lencioni argues that there are exactly six types of work activities, or “geniuses.” Everyone on the planet has two that light them up (your geniuses), two they can do passably (your competencies), and two that drain their soul (your frustrations).

I know, I know—it sounds like a horoscope for corporate types. But hear me out. When I realized my non-negotiables, I suddenly understood why Sarah (a natural Enabler) loved organizing, while I (a Discerner) would rather nap than do it.

It’s not about being “good at everything.” It’s about quitting the things that make you want to flip a table. (You’re welcome to imagine that image—I certainly do.)

Meet the magnificent six

Here’s the lineup, straight from the handbook. First: Wonder. This is the person who asks, “Why are we doing this?” and “What if we tried…?” They see the big picture, often while staring out a window. You know that coworker who always derails meetings with “but what about” questions? That’s their genius.

Then we have Invention. This is the creative spark who turns ideas into half-baked prototypes. They love the messy middle, the “what if we glued that to this?” phase. If Wonder is the question, Invention is the doodle on a napkin.

Next up: Discernment. This is my personal jam. Discerners are the skeptics. They judge, assess, and sniff out flaws faster than a bloodhound. Yes, we can be annoying at parties. But you want us on your team before you launch that product into the world.

Now we’re cooking with gas. Galvanizing is the genius of rallying the troops. These people don’t just have a vision; they make you feel it. They’re the ones who, after a boring meeting, say, “Alright team, let’s crush this!” and you actually believe them.

The second half: the doers and the supporters

Enablement is the genius of support. These folks anticipate what you need and provide it—before you even ask. They’re the ones who refill the coffee pot, fix the schedule, and make sure no one falls through the cracks. If you have an Enabler friend, send them a thank-you text. They deserve it.

Working Genius Assessment|Types and How it Works - Makedailyprofit

And finally, the unsung hero: Tenacity. This is the genius of finishing. The person who stares down a deadline, pushes through the boring details, and says, “We’re not done until the client is happy.” Without Tenacity, all those Wonder ideas just float away like balloons.

The magic? No one has all six. And trying to be good at all six is like trying to play the violin while juggling chainsaws. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

So how does this help your actual life?

Take the assessment (go on, Google it). But the real change comes when you talk to your team. Sit down with your coworkers and say, “Hey, I’m a Discerner and a Galvanizer. I hate Enablement. So please don’t ask me to schedule the meeting room.”

Suddenly, you stop blaming yourself for being “bad at admin.” You just realize you aren’t wired for that genius. It’s like being mad at a fish for not climbing a tree. (Okay, cliché, but it’s true, and it’s comforting.)

My team now divides tasks based on our geniuses. I handle strategy and critique. Sarah handles the project plan. Mark (our Tenacity machine) chases down the last 2% of tasks. Guess what? We finish things now. And nobody drinks their third cup of coffee in pure despair.

A reality check (with a wink)

Does this mean you should quit your job if you’re stuck doing Invention but you’re actually a Tenacity? Maybe not tomorrow. But you can start by carving out 20% of your week to do your genius work. Or by telling your boss, “I’ll do the research; let Bob handle the creative sketch.”

Here’s the ironic part: We spend years trying to “fix” our weaknesses. This model says, screw that. Double down on what you’re great at. Let someone else handle the rest. It’s liberating, honestly. And a bit selfish. But in the best way.

So go ahead. Find your geniuses. Quit apologizing for being bad at spreadsheets. And please, for the love of all that is holy, stop trying to be a Galvanizer if your natural instinct is to sit quietly and Discern. The world needs more people doing what they’re wired to do—and fewer people drinking burnt coffee while hating their to-do list.