The 6 Types of Working Genius
15 natural pairings, grouped by where they add the most value in the flow of work — from the earliest questions to the final push for completion.
Each person has 2 Working Geniuses (energising), 2 Working Competencies (neutral), and 2 Working Frustrations (draining).
The 15 pairings below reflect the combination of each person's two Geniuses.
Generally idealistic and future-oriented, they are passionate about new possibilities that break through unnecessary boundaries. They derive real joy from contemplating the world and generating a fountain of new ideas. They don't value practicality or implementation as much as idealism and ingenuity.
Extremely observant and deep in their thinking, they derive real joy from using their intuition and instincts to evaluate ideas and plans, and to provide others with thoughtful feedback. They express their insights using impactful words.
They get real energy and joy from using their intuition and instinctive ability to come up with new ideas from scratch, and they are good at using integrative thinking and pattern recognition rather than data. They curate their own ideas — only presenting the ones that actually work.
Idealistic and enthusiastic, they derive real joy from contemplating potential in the world around them, then passionately exhorting and encouraging others. They combine a unique sense of eagerness and caution — swinging between deep reflection and passionate action.
Exuberant and enthusiastic, they derive real joy from generating new ideas and convincing others of an idea's merit. Not easily deterred by initial pushback, they are the ultimate "pitch" people — they create the vision and sell it.
They get real joy and energy from instinctually evaluating ideas and situations, and quickly identifying the right course of action. They make quick and surprisingly accurate assessments — natural-born leaders who know what to do and how to get the team to do it.
They derive real joy from providing new solutions and ideas that serve the unique needs of others. They balance their passion for ingenuity with the capacity to adjust to the desires of the people they serve — incredibly flexible problem solvers who want to help.
They derive real joy from providing others with astute and empathic assistance, based on their intuition and instinct. Quintessential team players who know exactly how to help a leader or teammate succeed and offer sage advice.
Positive, exuberant, and optimistic, they derive joy from inspiring and supporting others to grow, improve, and feel good about themselves. They are the "heart" of the team, rallying people and helping them stay motivated.
Often modest about their abilities, loyal, and selfless, they derive real joy from providing meaningful support to causes that align with their idealistic values. They are highly empathetic and notice the needs of the team before they are voiced.
Low-maintenance contributors who hold themselves accountable for their promises, they derive joy from completing tasks and responding to the needs of others. The most reliable people in the organisation — if they say they'll do it, it gets done.
They derive real joy from getting the right things done efficiently and effectively, using their judgement to avoid wasting time and resources. They are the most efficient people on the team, focusing only on high-value tasks.
They get joy and energy when crafting practical solutions based on ingenuity, reason, and precision. They work in a steady and reliable way, focused on logistical feasibility — they don't just invent, they build the blueprint and finish the construction.
They derive joy from getting things done and rallying others to get things done with them. They don't mind blowing through obstacles — doers who take people with them and push until the job is done.
They derive real joy from getting things done in a thorough and reliable way, as long as they understand the rationale and importance of what they are doing. A mysterious mix of practicality and inquisitiveness — they ensure the finish line actually solves the original problem correctly.