Working Genius Podcast - Summary

Introduction

• Host: Patrick Lencioni
• Guests: Cody Thompson, Tracy Noble, Matt Lencioni
• Topic: The Six Types of Working Genius and its impact on work and life
• Focus: Three Phases of Work, Elevation of Working Geniuses

The Three Phases of Work

1. Ideation
   • Involves Wonder and Invention
   • Begins with asking questions (Wonder)
   • Followed by proposing solutions (Invention)
2. Activation
   • Middle phase, often overlooked
   • Involves Discernment and Galvanizing
   • Discernment: Evaluating the feasibility of ideas
   • Galvanizing: Rallying people to take action
3. Implementation
   • Involves Enablement and Tenacity
   • Enablement: Supporting others to act
   • Tenacity: Concluding and finishing tasks

Key Points

• Ideation: Wonderers ponder questions; Inventors create ideas.
• Implementation: Most common in workplaces; involves getting tasks done.
• Activation: Critical but often missed; ensures ideas are vetted and galvanized.
• Discernment and Galvanizing: Important for validating and energizing ideas.

Real-world Example: Nike

• Nike's innovations lacked the activation phase, leading to inefficiencies.
• Implementation without discernment caused frustration.

Working Genius Model

• Geniuses: Wonder (W), Invention (I), Discernment (D), Galvanizing (G), Enablement (E), Tenacity (T)
• Elevation Analogy: Landing a plane process from 50,000 ft (W) to 100 ft (T)
• Different roles operate on different levels and require collaboration

The Importance of Galvanizing

• Vital to move ideas forward
• Requires ongoing effort to maintain momentum
• Works best with enablers who help put ideas into action

Conclusion

• Different industries require varying emphasis on the phases
• All phases are essential for effective work
• Life and work benefit from collaborative use of diverse Geniuses

Final Thoughts

• Activation is the art most companies overlook; integrating all phases leads to success.
• Understanding personal and team Geniuses enhances productivity and satisfaction.