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 Seen

• Patrick 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 Results

• Patrick 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 Implications

• Patrick 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 Context

• Patrick 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 Going

• Patrick 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: 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.

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

Stay Connected with Cody Thompson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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 Goals

• Pat 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 Hate

• Pat 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 Allergy

• Pat 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 Aversion

• Cody 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 Gifts

• Cody 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: 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/marriage

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

Stay Connected with Cody Thompson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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 Team

• Pat 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 Different

• Pat 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 Gaps

• Pat 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 Silos

• Pat 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/marriage

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

Stay Connected with Cody Thompson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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 Matters

• Pat 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 Party

• Cody 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 Genius

• Pat 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 Marriage

• Pat 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 Steps

• Pat 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/marriage

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

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 matters

• Fun 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 enjoyment

• Teams 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 fun

• Companies 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 others

• The 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 strengths

• Teams 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/marriage

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

How is a lack of self-awareness quietly limiting your effectiveness?

Blind spots aren’t just personal quirks; they’re often the root of frustration, conflict, and stalled growth. In episode 111 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matthew Lencioni explore how the Working Genius framework can expose what you can’t see about yourself. By increasing self-awareness and inviting honest feedback, you can turn hidden liabilities into opportunities for trust and growth.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00:00) Why Blind Spots Matter

• A lack of self-awareness creates friction in relationships and at work.
• People extend grace more easily when someone acknowledges their flaws.

(00:03:12) Understanding the Johari Window

• The blind spot quadrant represents what others see, but you don’t.
• Reducing this quadrant is critical for growth and effectiveness.

(00:06:40) When You Think You’re Good at Everything

• Believing you have no weaknesses creates frustration for others.
• Mislabeling frustrations as strengths leads to burnout and poor collaboration.

(00:10:33) The Power of Naming Your Weaknesses

• Self-awareness builds trust and invites support from others.
• Denial pushes feedback away and isolates you from help.

(00:15:26) Giving and Receiving Hard Feedback

• Honest feedback is a gift, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Tools like Working Genius make difficult conversations easier and safer.

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.

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

What does your Working Genius look like when you're under stress, and would you even recognize it in yourself?

In episode 110 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matt Lencioni explore what happens to each of the six Working Genius types when they're under stress, a state they call being "in the grip." Walking through Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity letter by letter, the team uncovers how each type's greatest strengths can become their most challenging behaviors when unregulated. The conversation closes with a practical and compassionate framework for extending grace to teammates in the grip, recognizing that what looks like a flaw may simply be a strength operating under too much pressure.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00:03) Wonder in the Grip

• Pat, Cody, and Matt introduce "in the grip,” what each Working Genius type looks like when strengths become distorted under stress.
• The team explores the Wonder type, revealing how natural curiosity can spiral into analysis paralysis, endless questioning, and loss of direction.

(00:05:15) ADHD, Procrastination, and Invention in the Grip

• Pat connects Wonder under stress to procrastination and ADHD misdiagnosis.
• The team turns to Invention, describing how the drive to generate ideas becomes chaotic under stress.

(00:09:46) Discernment and Galvanizing Under Pressure

• The group unpacks Discernment in the grip, how the healthy instinct to evaluate ideas can tip into hypercriticism, cynicism, and judgment under stress.
• They move to Galvanizing, exploring how the drive to inspire movement can turn into pushiness and impatience when stress takes hold.

(00:15:41) Enablement and Tenacity When Unregulated

• The team explores Enablement in the grip, how the instinct to help can lead to overcommitment, exhaustion, and quiet resentment when the enabler's own needs go unmet.
• They turn to Tenacity, noting how discipline and follow-through can slide into rigidity, isolation, and frustration with those perceived as lazy or uncommitted.

(00:20:28) Applying This to Teams, Pairings, and Closing

• Pat, Cody, and Matt explore how genius pairs stop working together under stress, and how leaders can use this framework to start grace-filled conversations with struggling team members.

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.

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

How can you tell which Working Genius pairing defines the company where you work?

In episode 109 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore whether organizations have a dominant Working Genius pairing just like individuals do. Joined by Matthew Lencioni, they test the idea against well known brands and unpack how culture, customer experience, and leadership all point to a company’s natural strengths and blind spots.

Matthew Lencioni is part strategist, part behind the scenes operator, and fully immersed in the world of Working Genius. As a key voice at The Table Group, he helps translate big ideas into practical applications, while also keeping Patrick and Cody honest when their theories start getting a little too comfortable.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00:33) Can a company have a genius?

• Patrick introduces the idea that organizations may have dominant Working Genius pairings just like individuals do.
• Cody explains that company culture and customer experience often make those pairings visible to employees and customers alike.

(00:05:44) Comparing big brands

• Patrick and Cody compare In N Out and Chick fil A to show how similar companies can operate from very different genius pairings.
• They argue that In N Out reflects efficient service and execution, while Chick fil A leans more heavily into encouragement and relational energy.

(00:10:40) Starbucks, Shark Tank, and the role of discernment

• Patrick and Cody examine Starbucks as a company shaped by discernment and tenacity through curation and operational consistency.
• They also debate Shark Tank’s pairing and conclude that its format centers on evaluating opportunities and driving action.

(00:16:57) What WI companies struggle to do

• The discussion shifts to wonder and invention, with Patrick and Cody noting that WI organizations may generate brilliant ideas without carrying them into activation or implementation.
• They caution that employees with strong WI may need the right environment or the right role to feel fully used and energized.

(00:22:09) Founders, company bias, and practical implications

• Patrick and Cody discuss how a founder’s genius can shape a company’s culture, using Dave Ramsey and The Table Group as examples.
• Patrick closes by warning leaders not to push out employees with different geniuses, since companies need a fuller range of strengths than their dominant pairing alone provides.

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.

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

Stay Connected with Cody Thompson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

Why do people often react defensively when receiving criticism?

In episode 108 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson examine the crucial difference between criticism and constructive feedback. They explain how understanding someone’s Working Genius helps leaders frame feedback to acknowledge strengths while encouraging adjustments when necessary. By leading with appreciation and clarity, feedback becomes a gift that helps people grow rather than a criticism that discourages them.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00:00) Why Feedback Often Feels Like Criticism

• Patrick explains why feedback should be filtered through someone’s Working Genius profile.

• He argues that without understanding how someone is wired, feedback can unintentionally come across as criticism of their identity.

(00:03:09) The Fundamental Attribution Error

• Patrick and Cody explore how people often assume others’ behavior is caused by character flaws rather than natural tendencies.

• They explain how recognizing someone’s wiring can lead to more grace and better communication.

(00:07:05) Feedback Through the Lens of Strengths

• Cody shares examples of how strengths like invention can be misunderstood as ego or disruption.

• Patrick explains how acknowledging strengths before giving feedback allows people to receive the message more openly.

(00:09:06) Real Life Examples of Constructive Feedback

• Patrick and Cody discuss examples from client work and personal relationships where feedback was delivered through the Working Genius framework.

• They highlight how framing feedback as a gift helps people grow without discouraging their strengths.

(00:13:54) Regulating Strengths Instead of Suppressing Them

• Patrick explains that strengths must sometimes be regulated depending on the situation or role.

• The episode closes with encouragement to use Working Genius knowledge to give feedback that builds confidence rather than shame.

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.

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. 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/about

Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficial

Stay Connected with Patrick Lencioni

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficial

X: https://x.com/patricklencioni

The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Apple: https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u

YouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.

How does the distance between your strengths affect your stress at work?

In episode 107 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson take a deeper look at what happens when your working geniuses are far apart. While every genius pairing brings value, certain combinations create unique stress that can leave people feeling misunderstood or frustrated.

Topics explored in this episode:

(00:00:50) Understanding Genius Distance

The idea of having working geniuses that sit far apart in the workflow is explained.

These gaps are shown to create frustration, stress, and misunderstanding for individuals and teams.

(00:03:53) The Stress of Invention to Tenacity

The challenges of jumping directly from ideas to execution are explored.

The importance of patience and collaboration between missing steps in the workflow is highlighted.

(00:08:06) The Tension of Wonder and Enablement

Responsive geniuses are examined, especially the pressure to help before asking necessary questions.

Misunderstanding these patterns can lead to overwhelm, doubt, and internal conflict.

(00:12:35) Practical Ways to Bridge the Gap

Strategies are shared for separating tasks and working within each genius more intentionally.

Communication, patience, and self awareness are emphasized as tools for reducing friction and improving teamwork.

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.

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. 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/about

Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).

Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via [email protected].

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co