Working Genius Podcast: The Mystery of Tenacity

Introduction

• Host: Pat Lencioni
• Focus: Six types of working genius, specifically tenacity
• Hosts discuss their lack of tenacity as a genius

Tenacity as a Working Genius

• Tenacity is often misunderstood by those who don't have it as a genius
• It involves joy and energy from completing tasks
• People with tenacity find satisfaction in pushing tasks to completion

Guests: Julie Dobbins and Joe Gallagher

• Julie and Joe have tenacity as a working genius
• Joe's career effectiveness tied to sales roles and completing tasks

Understanding Tenacity

• Those with tenacity get energy from completing and finishing tasks
• It’s hard for them to understand people who prefer ideation or pondering
• Tenacity is about execution and meeting high standards
• Balancing between completing tasks and maintaining high standards can be challenging

Pairing of Working Geniuses

• Julie: Discernment and Tenacity (DT)
  • Struggle with perfection vs. good enough
  • Balances discernment of right tasks with execution
• Joe: Enablement and Tenacity (ET)
  • Balances helping others with finishing tasks
  • Struggles with ambiguity, needs clear parameters

Phases of Work

• Tenacity belongs in the implementation phase
• It’s about checking tasks off the list and ensuring high standards are met

Observations on Tenacity

• Observable genius: Easily seen and acknowledged by others
• In workplace, tenacity is often rewarded and celebrated
• People with tenacity can be misjudged as being too detail-oriented or in the weeds

Working with People with Tenacity

• Provide clear goals and parameters
• Recognize and appreciate their need to complete tasks
• Avoid judging them as rigid or uncreative
• Offer support and acknowledgment for their work ethic

Reflections

• Tenacity can be both a gift and a source of tension
• Important to balance the need for completion with creativity and innovation
• People with tenacity may struggle with self-criticism if standards aren't met

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding and valuing different working geniuses
• Tenacity is crucial for bringing ideas to completion
• All working geniuses have unique contributions to a team

This podcast episode explored the unique aspects of tenacity as a working genius. The hosts and guests delved into what makes it a valuable trait in the workplace, how it interacts with other working geniuses, and the importance of recognizing and appreciating those who have it.