--- title: What is Working Genius? description: What's your Working Genius? Understand individual strengths and frustrations, leveraging team dynamics, and fostering a productive work environment. image: https://elevate2grow.com/hubfs/working-genius-blog-featured-image%20(1).png --- [![elevate2grow-leadership-coaching](https://elevate2grow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/4.png?width=300&height=75&name=4.png "elevate2grow-leadership-coaching")](https://elevate2grow.com) [![Elevate2Grow Logo](https://elevate2grow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elevate2Grow-logo-2025%20-%20Colored_Transparent.png?width=1080&height=230&name=Elevate2Grow-logo-2025%20-%20Colored_Transparent.png "Elevate2Grow Logo")](https://elevate2grow.com) [![Elevate2Grow Logo](https://elevate2grow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Elevate2Grow-logo-2025%20-%20Colored_Transparent.png?width=1080&height=230&name=Elevate2Grow-logo-2025%20-%20Colored_Transparent.png "Elevate2Grow Logo")](https://elevate2grow.com) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [Work With Tracy](https://elevate2grow.com/work-with-tracy) - [Executive Advisory](https://elevate2grow.com/executive-advisory) - [Leadership & Team Development](https://programselevate2grow.lovable.app/) - [Team Workshops](https://elevate2grow.com/workshops) - [Keynote Speaking](https://elevate2grow.com/corporate-speaking-keynotes) - [Transformation by Design](https://elevate2grow.com/transformation-by-design) - [Leadership Clarity Session](https://elevate2grow.com/leadership-clarity-session) - [High Performance Coaching for Women](https://elevateherexperience.com/high-performance-coaching-for-women) - [ElevateHER Health & Performance](https://elevateherexperience.com/) - [Assessments](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments) - [Working Genius](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments/working-genius) - [The Five Behaviors®](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments/five-behaviors-of-a-cohesive-team) - [TTI Success Insights®](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments/tti-success-insights) - [The Big 5 of Strategy](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments/big-5-of-strategy) - [How It Works](https://elevate2grow.com/howitworks) - [Selection & Hiring](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/selection-by-design) - [Leadership](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/leadership-by-design) - [Development](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/development-by-design) - [Accountability](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/accountability-by-design) - [Culture](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/culture-by-design) - [Alignment](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/alignment-by-design) - [Strategy](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/strategy-by-design) - [Succession](https://elevate2grow.com/solutions/succession-by-design) - [About](https://elevate2grow.com/about) - Resources - [Blog](https://elevate2grow.com/blog) - [Leadership Design Checkup](https://leadershipdesigncheckup.com/) - [Contact](https://elevate2grow.com/contact) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # What is Working Genius? by [Tracy Winkler](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/author/tracy-winkler)   |   Apr 5, 2024 Understanding individual and team dynamics is essential for business success. One powerful tool is the [Working Genius model](https://elevate2grow.com/working-genius), offering valuable insights into how individuals and teams can optimize their performance by leveraging each person’s unique strengths and talents. ## Understanding the Working Genius Model At its core, the Working Genius modelidentifies six types of genius, representing core competencies individuals bring to the workplace. Out of these six identified geniuses, you and your team members all have two primary geniuses, two competencies, and two frustrations. This shapes how you and your team approach your work and interact with others. ### The Six Types of Genius: - **Wonder**: asks probing questions and explores new ideas - **Invention**: focuses on creativity and problem-solving - **Discernment**: makes insightful judgments and decisions - **Galvanizing**: centers on inspiring and motivating others - **Enablement**: organizes and facilitates effective collaboration - **Tenacity**: emphasizes a task-oriented approach to taking projects over the finish line ## Leveraging Team Dynamics with Working Genius Understanding your own and your team’s genius enables your team to emphasize strengths and maximize contributions. For example: - Team members strong in Wonder and Invention excel at generating innovative ideas and solutions but may not enjoy project management - Team members with a knack for Discernment and Enablement thrive in making strategic decisions and facilitating effective teamwork but may struggle with creative brainstorming Leaning into the diverse talents and perspectives within the team can create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work based on what they love to do. Collaboration becomes more effective as team members leverage their complementary geniuses to address challenges and achieve common goals. ### Let’s Talk About the Frustrations Frustrations: we all have them. Think of the types of tasks you *dread* doing — those tasks will likely land in your frustration zone.  Understand that your frustrations may align with another team member’s genius, allowing for better delegation and task alignment throughout the team. By recognizing and addressing these frustrations, individuals can focus on tasks that align with their strengths, fostering a more productive and fulfilling work environment. ## Why Working Genius? In a world of Enneagrams, Myer-Briggs, DiSC, Big Five, and so on, why choose the Working Genius? I love the tools and frameworks listed, but I became a certified Working Genius facilitator because the Working Genius emphasizes talents needed for task completion, benefiting organizations and boosting team morale. When put into context, the Working Genius helps team members understand their effective contribution at work, encouraging each person to take pride in their role on the overall team. The Working Genius is also a fantastic tool for understanding each team member’s Unique Ability, which aligns with ensuring their position is a Healthy F.I.T. for them and for your company. ### Get Started With Working Genius Ready to learn more? - [Request Working Genius Assessments for your team or yourself](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments/working-genius) - [Learn more about bringing a Working Genius workshop to your organization](https://elevate2grow.com/workshops/working-genius) Topics:   [working genius](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/tag/working-genius) [< Previous Post](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-quarterly-planning-for-your-smb) [Next Post >](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/5-accountability-tips-for-leadership) ### Related posts [No One Should Have to Guess What Good Looks Like](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/no-one-should-have-to-guess) [The Hidden Bottlenecks Slowing Your Organization](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/the-hidden-bottlenecks-slowing-your-organization) [Why Leadership Development Doesn't Stick (And Why Competencies Matter More Than Ever in the Age of AI)](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/leadership-development-competencies-age-of-ai) [Do Pre-Employment Assessments Actually Work? Here's What the Research Says](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/do-pre-employment-assessments-actually-work-heres-what-the-research-says) [Disengaged Employees: Signs, Costs, and What to Do About It](https://elevate2grow.com/blog/disengaged-employees-signs-costs) ### **Performance by Design Brief →** #### One pattern. One practical takeaway. One next move. ###### Grow Yourself. Grow Your People. ###### Grow Your Team. Grow Your Organization. ###### Performance by Design. Not by chance.. [![2](https://elevate2grow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/2.png?width=1800&height=450&name=2.png "2")](https://elevate2grow.com)   **Get In Touch:** [tracy@elevate2grow.com](mailto:tracy@elevate2grow.com) GET CONNECTED [Follow Tracy on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyschultzwinkler/) [Follow Tracy on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TracyWinklerCoach) [Follow Tracy on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tracywinklercoach/) - [ASSESSMENTS](https://elevate2grow.com/assessments) - [EXECUTIVE ADVISORY](https://elevate2grow.com/executive-advisory) - [WORKSHOP FACILITATION](https://elevate2grow.com/corporate-workshop-facilitation) - [SPEAKING](https://elevate2grow.com/corporate-speaking-keynotes) - [ABOUT TRACY](https://elevate2grow.com/about) - [CONTACT](https://elevate2grow.com/contact) - [MEET WITH TRACY](https://meetings.hubspot.com/tracy-winkler) © 2026 Elevate2Grow ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Tracy Winkler", "url" : "https://elevate2grow.com/blog/author/tracy-winkler" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-14T15:24:57.932Z", "datePublished" : "2024-04-05T11:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "What is Working Genius?", "image" : [ "https://elevate2grow.com/hubfs/working-genius-blog-featured-image%20(1).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://elevate2grow.com/blog/what-is-working-genius", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://elevate2grow.com/hubfs/Elevate2Grow-logo-2025%20-%20Colored_Transparent.png" }, "name" : "Elevate2Grow Leadership Coaching" } } ```