Show notes
Welcome back! This is part three in my ongoing series exploring the Six Types of Working Genius, inspired by Pat Lencioni’s transformative framework. If you’re new here, I highly recommend checking out the earlier posts and podcasts in this series for a foundation on the model and how it’s already reshaping team collaboration and joy at work.Today, I’m diving into one of the most powerful and practical insights I’ve gained from using the Working Genius framework: how understanding the “elevation” of each Genius can transform the way we design and experience meetings.Why Meetings Feel Like a RollercoasterIf you’ve ever sat through a meeting that bounced from big-picture vision to granular details and back again, you know how disorienting it can be. I’ve always loved meetings and conversations, but I used to wonder why some sessions left everyone energized, while others felt like they needed a barf bag. The Working Genius framework solves this mystery by revealing that each Genius operates best at a different “altitude” in a discussion or project.Let’s break down the six types and their natural elevation:* Wonder (W): 30,000 ft – Big-picture thinking, questioning the status quo, exploring possibilities.* Invention (I): 25,000 ft – Generating novel ideas and solutions, thriving in creative environments.* Discernment (D): 20,000 ft – Evaluating ideas, providing intuitive feedback, refining concepts.* Galvanizing (G): 15,000 ft – Inspiring and motivating others to take action, rallying teams.* Enablement (E): 10,000 ft – Providing support and resources, facilitating collaboration.* Tenacity (T): 5,000 ft to ground – Completing tasks, ensuring execution and high standards.When people in a meeting are operating at different elevations, let’s say, one person is dreaming at 30,000 ft while another is ready to land the plane at 5,000 ft, it creates turbulence. The conversation can feel circular or frustrating, and people may leave feeling misunderstood or out of sync.Designing Meetings for Every GeniusThe magic happens when we intentionally align meeting types with the right Working Geniuses and their natural elevation. Here’s how I map it out in practice:Types of Meetings and Their Ideal Working Genius Elevations* Brainstorming* Elevation: 25,000–30,000 ft* Geniuses Who Thrive: Wonder, Invention, Discernment* Purpose: Explore new ideas and possibilities* Decision-Making* Elevation: 15,000–20,000 ft* Geniuses Who Thrive: Discernment, Invention, Galvanizing* Purpose: Evaluate options and decide on a course of action* Launch/Activation* Elevation: 10,000–15,000 ft* Geniuses Who Thrive: Galvanizing, Enablement, Discernment* Purpose: Motivate, resource, and prepare for launch* Status Review/Problem-Solving* Elevation: 5,000 ft–ground* Geniuses Who Thrive: Galvanizing, Enablement, Tenacity* Purpose: Review progress, solve issues, and drive executionThis doesn’t mean you exclude people whose Genius isn’t the focus of a particular meeting. Instead, it’s about setting expectations. For example, if you’re tenacious but attending a brainstorming session, you’ll know that it’s not yet time to dig into the details. You can relax and contribute where it makes sense, without feeling pressured to operate outside your Genius.The Real Benefits: Productivity, Clarity, and JoyAligning meetings with the natural elevation of each Working Genius leads to:* Improved productivity: Everyone gets to play to their strengths, making meetings more effective and outcomes stronger.* Reduced frustration: Team members know when their input is most valuable, and there’s less confusion or role overlap.* More joy at work: When people spend more time in their Genius zones, work feels more fulfilling, even for those who see their job as “just a job.”Joy is literally my middle name, and I want people to experience more of it at work. Even if you’re someone who likes to keep work and fun separate, there’s real magic in making the process more enjoyable and less draining.Special Offer: Free Working Genius WorkshopIf you’re intrigued by this framework and want to bring it to your team, I’m offering a free two-hour Working Genius workshop for teams of up to 10 people in 2025 (and possibly into 2026) in exchange for a $200 founding pledge. The only other cost is the Working Genius assessment ($25 per person). This pledge helps me on my journey to becoming a certified Working Genius facilitator, so I can bring even more value to you and your organization.I’m not here to monetize my Substack; all my content remains free. But this pledge helps me invest in my certification and offer you the best possible experience.Understanding and respecting the elevation of each Working Genius is a game-changer for meetings and collaboration. It’s about giving everyone a seat at the table-at the right altitude-so we can all contribute, thrive, and yes, find more joy in the work we do.Thanks for reading (and listening)! Keep facilitating, keep growing, and I’ll see you next time for more on the Six Types of Working Genius. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationartist.substack.com