Worth the Buzz? Patrick Lencioni unveils your working genius

In the literary world of today, many readers come across works that seem to have hidden agendas – be it to promote a training course, set up speaking engagements, or to present themselves as experts. Patrick Lencioni’s "The Six Types of Working Genius", while aware of these trends, stands out due to its genuine content.

Patrick Lencioni delves into team dynamics, focusing on the varied skills people bring to the table. By grouping these skills into six main types, or Geniuses, he provides readers with a clearer way to understand and enhance their teamwork.

The book’s hands-on approach, backed by real-world examples, offers valuable insights that will appeal to many, from team leaders to members, guiding them to discover their strongest work traits.

Some may feel that such a grouping system is a bit basic, hoping for a more complex view of skills and abilities. However, this straightforward method can be quite effective in improving team interactions.

True life stories

Using true-to-life stories, Lencioni ensures his ideas remain grounded. His concepts resonate well with everyday work challenges, making the book relatable. His writing is clear and straightforward, and while some might wish for more in-depth research, many will find it insightful.

It’s worth noting that Lencioni doesn’t just stop at presenting ideas; he provides tools and steps for immediate application. Whereas some books might seem like a teaser to sell more, Lencioni’s work is straightforward, aiming to genuinely help. He gives readers practical ways to put their newfound knowledge to use.

To sum it up, ”The Six Types of Working Genius” is essential for those keen on enhancing team performance and collaboration. Even if not everyone might find it perfect, the book shines in highlighting the variety of talents within a team, promoting understanding and collaboration.

In a world where many books might have other motives, Lencioni’s book shines through its sincere intent to benefit its readers.

Now, let’s pause for a moment to wonder how all this relates to the Nordic Business Forum 2023 themes. As usual, I’ll also view the book through my special interests lenses: Workplace Culture and Employer Brand.

Nordic Business Forum 2023 themes: Leadership – Innovation – Resilience – AI?

Among the themes, Leadership and Innovation are the two that The Six Types addresses most directly. The book offers tools for leaders to guide their teams more effectively and provides insights into fostering a culture of innovation by tapping into the innate strengths of team members.

By identifying and understanding the six working geniuses, a leader can effectively manage, deploy, and motivate their teams. Knowing one’s own genius and the genius of the team can lead to more informed decisions, improved communication, and more effective delegation.

Lencioni’s framework highlights certain types that are crucial for innovation. The "Wonder" type, for example, is curious and questions the status quo, while the "Invention" type loves to bring ideas to fruition. By ensuring a mix of these types in a team, an organization can foster an environment where fresh ideas are generated and executed.

One could of course argue that Resilience in a workplace can stem from understanding and appreciation. When teams are aware of their collective strengths and weaknesses, they are better equipped to navigate challenges. Knowing each member’s "genius" can help teams adapt, restructure, and push forward in the face of adversity, using each member’s unique strengths.

How does this relate to Workplace Culture?

In the mosaic of contemporary workplaces, culture isn’t a mere byproduct but a deliberate creation, sculpted by the interactions, beliefs, and practices of its members.

Lencioni’s The Six Types offers an incisive look into the driving forces behind these interactions. By parsing individual strengths into discernible categories, he provides organizations with a blueprint to weave a fabric of understanding, allowing team members to recognize, appreciate, and synergize with diverse talents. 

The result? A culture not rooted in inadvertent collisions but in orchestrated collaborations.

As workplaces evolve, with remote dynamics and global collaborations becoming commonplace, Lencioni’s insights are instrumental in ensuring that workplace culture remains a harmonious tapestry, where differences become strengths rather than fractures.

What about the Employer Brand?

The employer’s brand, in today’s hyper-competitive landscape, isn’t solely about market presence or fiscal achievements. It’s deeply intertwined with its people narrative: how it fosters growth, understanding, and collaboration among its ranks. 

Lencioni’s work, with its profound insights into team dynamics and individual strengths, provides employers with a framework to sculpt a brand image rooted in inclusivity, understanding, and mutual appreciation.

When companies adopt and internalize the tenets of The Six Types, they don’t just optimize internal dynamics. They broadcast a powerful message to prospective talent and stakeholders alike: Here is an organization that understands the multifaceted nature of talent, values diverse strengths, and is committed to creating an environment where these strengths flourish. 

In the grand theatre of employer branding, Lencioni’s work can be the script that champions an image of progressive, inclusive, and harmonious workspaces.

Buzz Trap: Labels!

In a world brimming with complexity, there’s an undeniable appeal in distilling vast spectrums of human behavior into neatly labeled boxes.

Instruments like MBTI, DISC, and now Lencioni’s Geniuses tap into this penchant. These categorizations promise clarity, a swift decoding of one’s psyche or working style. And therein lies the seduction: labels can offer solace, a semblance of understanding in a chaotic professional world. 

However, as enchanting as these labels might be, they tread a fine line.

The science behind such categorizations often finds itself in the crucible of academic debate. But more than empirical controversies, the real danger emerges when these labels transcend from being descriptive tools to prescriptive doctrines.

When individuals start perceiving these categories as defining enclosures rather than broad descriptors, the essence of human multifacetedness risks being overshadowed by the lure of simplistic labeling.

Worth the Buzz: Synergy! 

Beneath the structural categorizations and the nuances of workplace dynamics that Lencioni elucidates, there lies a subtler, perhaps more profound narrative: the beauty of synergy.

While at first glance, The Six Types may seem like another tool to pigeonhole individuals, a deeper reading reveals its true intent. Lencioni isn’t championing a rigid compartmentalization of talents but is emphasizing the harmony that emerges when diverse strengths converse. 

This isn’t just about knowing one’s genius type; it’s about appreciating the mosaic that these types can together create. In a world that often seeks division, Lencioni subtly beckons towards unity, towards the magic that unfolds when varied talents, backgrounds, and perspectives come together in orchestrated cohesion.

In this silent symphony of synergy, lies the true profundity of the book, making it a read that genuinely deserves the buzz.

Read more about Nordic Business Forum 2023 2-day event>>

Read articles here>>