The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

116. 5 Tips for Managers

How much trust could be built if managers were honest about their own working frustrations?In episode 116 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson share five practical tips for managers who want to use Working Genius with their employees in a meaningful way. They explain why managers should begin by listening, helping employees process their own results, and creating a safe space for conversations about geniuses, frustrations, and job fit. The episode shows how a simple Working Genius conversation can build trust, improve management, and help teams work with more clarity, energy, and effectiveness.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Why Working Genius Helps Employees Feel SeenPatrick explains that when managers listen to employees describe their Working Genius results, employees often feel deeply known and understood.Cody introduces the episode’s focus: five practical tips for managers who want to make Working Genius more useful in real conversations.(01:55) Let Employees Digest and Describe Their ResultsPatrick says managers should first give employees 15 to 20 minutes to read and absorb their Working Genius report before discussing it.The first step is to let employees go first by describing what resonates, what surprised them, and how they understand their own geniuses and frustrations.(06:02) Build Trust Through Frustrations and Job ImplicationsPatrick and Cody explain how talking about working frustrations can create vulnerability without making employees feel defective or criticized.They encourage managers to ask how the employee’s results show up in their actual work, including projects that energized them or drained them.(10:41) Use Working Genius to Create the Right ContextPatrick explains that Working Genius does not need to feel like pigeonholing because employees often want to be understood and placed in the right role.Managers can deepen trust by sharing their own Working Genius results and inviting employees to reflect on how those geniuses and frustrations show up in the manager’s leadership.(15:03) Brainstorm Adjustments and Keep the Conversation GoingPatrick encourages managers and employees to brainstorm how the employee can lean more into their geniuses and reduce unnecessary frustration.Cody and Patrick emphasize the importance of follow-up conversations so Working Genius becomes an ongoing vocabulary for teamwork rather than a one-time assessment.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

115. Work Allergies

What kind of work are you trying to master even though it consistently drains you?In episode 115 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore why people should not try to become great at their Working Frustrations. They explain how spending too much time in draining work can create a “work allergy,” making people resistant even to small, necessary doses of that work later on. The conversation encourages listeners to honor their natural gifts, avoid proving themselves through frustrating work, and practice moderation when unavoidable tasks arise.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Why Frustrations Shouldn’t Become GoalsPat explains why people should not try to become excellent at the types of work that frustrate them.He argues that mastering frustrating work takes energy away from the gifts and competencies people are actually meant to develop.(02:03) The Cost of Getting Good at What You HatePat lays out several reasons why becoming good at a frustration can backfire, including sending the wrong message to others.Cody adds that trying to compete in someone else’s area of genius can create isolation instead of connection.(05:58) Pat’s Personal Work AllergyPat shares how years of forcing himself into tenacity and enablement created an aversion to discipline.He compares the experience to being forced to eat vegetables constantly and then resisting them entirely later in life.(08:34) Burnout, Exposure, and AversionCody connects the idea of work allergies to allergy treatment, explaining that small exposure can be helpful but overexposure can make aversion worse.Pat uses a basketball analogy to show how being forced into an unwanted role can make someone reject even small, necessary parts of that role later.(12:01) Finding Moderation and Honoring GiftsCody notes that every job involves all six types of work, which means people will still need to do some tasks that fall outside their genius.Pat closes by encouraging listeners not to feel guilty for doing what comes naturally and to find moderation rather than overcorrecting.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

114. C X O

What would change if your team focused more on talents than job descriptions?In episode 114 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore why leadership roles cannot be reduced to generic titles or one-size-fits-all job descriptions. They explain how Working Genius helps leaders understand their own wiring, build around their gaps, and stop assuming that every CEO, COO, or team member should operate the same way. The conversation ultimately points teams toward collective accountability, where tasks are divided according to talent but ownership remains shared.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Divide The Work, Not The TeamPat argues that “divide and conquer” should mean dividing tasks based on talent, not dividing the organization or accountability.How teams work best when they share a single goal and draw on different talents to pursue it together.(02:08) Why Every CEO Is DifferentPat explains that every CEO brings a different combination of personality, wiring, and Working Genius to the role.Cody points out that people often ask for the best Working Genius type for a leader, but the real answer is self-awareness.(06:43) Hiring Around Your GapsPat explains that leaders should hire executives and team members who complement their natural strengths rather than duplicate them.Cody and Pat discuss how titles like CEO, COO, and CMO can become too generic if they ignore the specific way each person contributes.(11:26) Collective Accountability Over SilosPat says titles may be useful externally, but internally, teams should focus more on how people’s talents help the organization win together.Cody connects this idea to team number one, explaining that Working Genius helps executive teams move beyond self-protection and into shared responsibility.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

113. Ask For Help

Why is it so hard for you to ask for help with the things that frustrate you?In episode 113 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack why asking for help is one of the most practical and freeing applications of Working Genius. They explain how people often assume the work they hate must be miserable for everyone else, when in reality it may be exactly the kind of work that gives someone else joy and energy. Through examples from work, friendship, neighborhoods, and marriage, they show how naming your frustrations can reduce shame, build trust, and deepen connection.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Why Asking For Help MattersPat introduces the idea that people should not double down on work that drains them.Cody and Pat explain why “Ask For Help” may be simple, but it is a deeply important topic.(03:52) One Person’s Frustration Is Another Person’s PartyCody explains how people often assume that work that drains them must drain everyone else.Pat shares how asking someone for help can affirm their gifts rather than burden them.(07:12) Connection, Vulnerability, And Working GeniusPat connects Working Genius to the idea that people are meant to fill in each other’s gaps.Cody and Pat discuss how refusing to ask for help can keep others from feeling useful and valued.(11:49) Asking For Help In MarriagePat explains how Working Genius can help spouses understand each other instead of misreading each other.Cody shares how his wife’s tenacity helped relieve stress around family finances.(15:28) Shame, Weakness, And Practical Next StepsPat and Cody name the main reasons people resist asking for help: fear of burdening others, vulnerability, and shame.Pat encourages people to look at their Working Genius gaps with their spouse or community and ask for support where they need it most.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/aboutSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

112. Working Genius Is FUN

Why do traditional “fun at work” solutions often fall short?In episode 112 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matthew Lencioni discuss the idea of fun at work, arguing that real enjoyment comes from operating within your Working Genius rather than relying on perks or surface-level incentives. Pat and Cody explore how different people experience the same activity in different ways based on their strengths, and how this applies across work, hobbies, and even vacations. Leaders who align roles with natural energy unlock not only better performance but a more joyful and engaged team.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Why fun at work mattersFun at work is often misunderstood as perks rather than meaningful engagement.Working in your genius makes time feel faster and work more enjoyable.(03:02) How Working Genius shapes enjoymentTeams naturally enjoy work more when roles align with strengths.Misalignment leads to frustration and removes the sense of fun.(06:16) The problem with surface-level funCompanies often try to add fun outside of work instead of within it.True engagement comes from making the work itself energizing.(10:25) Why activities feel fun to some but not othersThe same activity can feel energizing or painful depending on the person.Working Genius explains why people experience identical tasks differently.(15:48) Designing teams around energy and strengthsTeams perform better when work is divided based on what energizes individuals.Leaders should prioritize alignment over rigid job descriptions.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you’re able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/aboutSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.