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The Working Genius Model

Episode Overview

Ish has just been certified in the Working Genius model and is excited to share this powerful framework for understanding team dynamics, project workflows, and personal energy. In this episode, he unpacks the model live with Sacha, who's just received her results and is wrestling with what it means to not be naturally gifted at something. Spoiler: it's not about skill, it's about what gives you energy and joy.

Key Topics Discussed

Understanding Working Genius

• It's a ranking, not a rating - everyone is a "six-letter person"
• The model identifies what brings you joy and energy, not just what you're skilled at
• Three categories: Genius (naturally gifted, energising), Competency (capable but neutral), Frustration (draining, even if you're good at it)
• Every job is also a "six-letter job"

Wonder (W): Pondering the possibility, asking the right questions 

• "What opportunities exist here?"
• "What questions should we be solving?"

Invention (I): Creating original ideas and solutions 

• Coming up with new approaches
• Not innovation (that's all six working together), just inventing

Discernment (D): Evaluating ideas and providing insight

• Natural instinct for what will work
• Assessing viability and process

Galvanising (G): Rallying people to action 

• Getting buy-in and momentum
• Creating enthusiasm for the project

Enablement (E): Providing support and assistance

• Helping others complete their work
• Supporting the team's needs

Tenacity (T): Ensuring completion and follow-through 

• Doing the work
• Pushing through to finish

BOOK ISH NOW

If you would like to have Ish do the Working Genius module and assessment with your team, email him at [email protected]  

https://ishcheyne.com/

If you haven’t come across it yet, Working Genius is one of the simplest, most practical models I’ve seen for helping teams understand how they actually get work done. Not personality. Not fluff. Just clarity on where people thrive — and where they get frustrated.

 If you’re planning your next team day, offsite, or work event, I’d love to bring this to your crew. 

Find out more at IshCheyne.com