Finding Your Working Genius
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
I love watching people come together to work on the same goal. I get to witness this type of teamwork and cohesion each day as I manage our Chick-Fil-A team members.
I’m also thankful that God chose to give each person different spiritual gifts. I have certain skills and talents, but I also have plenty of weaknesses. Thankfully, some of the areas where I’m weak are opportunities for others to shine. Whether we’re running a restaurant or serving in the church, it takes all of us.
Patrick Lencioni is a well-known business author and leadership consultant. In his newest book, “The Six Types of Working Genius,” Lencioni discusses the six phases of work necessary for each project. Although there are six total “geniuses,” an individual can only be highly proficient in two areas. Lencioni would call these your “geniuses,” and he would tell you that you also have two “competencies” along with two “frustrations.”
Your areas of “working genius” are the types of work that bring you the most joy. They come naturally to you. On the other hand, your working “frustrations” are the tasks that drain you. Your competencies are somewhere in the middle. You can work in these domains for a little while, but you’ll feel drained or burned out if you spend too much time on these types of work.
For those curious, here are Lencioni’s six types of working genius (and a link to the assessment):
- Wonder. You have a knack for pondering new possibilities of greater potential and opportunity.
- Invention. You’re constantly coming up with ideas for new solutions and possibilities.
- Discernment. You have an instinctive gift for evaluating ideas and situations.
- Galvanizing. You can easily rally or inspire others to adopt a new perspective or take action.
- Enablement. You enjoy encouraging others and helping with their efforts and projects.
- Tenacity. You’re able to get projects through the finish line and complete tasks effectively.
God created each of us with unique gifts and geniuses. As we grow to better know ourselves, we can determine how to use our gifts to serve God and bless others. We can also abandon feelings of shame or guilt if we struggle with a particular task. These deficiencies remind us of how much we need God and each other.
Spend time thinking about your top talents or passions. If you struggle to identify your geniuses, take the assessment or ask a friend what they think. Once you get a better sense of how you’re wired, imagine how you might be able to leverage your gifts for maximum influence and effectiveness. Remember that the purpose isn’t to make yourself look good but to serve others and add value to each team or group you work with.
“In (Jesus) the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” – Ephesians 2:21-22