Podcast Summary: The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Episode 102: Working Genius and Emotional Intelligence
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Patrick Lencioni
Co-host: Cody Thompson

Overview

In this episode, Pat and Cody explore the relationship between the Working Genius model and Emotional Intelligence (EQ). They discuss whether there’s any correlation between a person’s Working Genius pairings (the two natural gifts they bring to work and life) and their level of emotional intelligence. The conversation also delves into practical ways to use the Working Genius model to increase self-awareness and, ultimately, improve EQ on teams, in organizations, and in personal life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining Emotional Intelligence and Its Importance

• Pat outlines the significance of EQ, citing Travis Bradberry’s work and noting it can be developed, not just innate.
  • "The greatest gift you could ever give somebody is to give somebody a better understanding, a loving understanding of how they can improve their emotional intelligence. Because it is the key that unlocks so many doors in life." (00:00, Pat)
• Pat often finds himself wishing for more EQ over IQ among executive teams:
  • "I would trade off a lot of IQ points for more EQ points with the people I work with." (01:35, Pat)

2. Is There a Correlation Between Working Genius and EQ?

• Key Insight: After much exploration, Pat and Cody conclude there is no inherent correlation between one's Working Genius type and their level of EQ.
  • "We do not believe there's a correlation between some people with these working geniuses tend to have higher emotional intelligence. We think they are totally independent." (03:16, Pat)
  • "It might not be the one that we thought initially... in as much as EQ, the first step is self awareness, then maybe Working Genius is connected to emotional intelligence." (02:27, Cody)

3. The Role of Self-Awareness in EQ Development

• Working Genius is a powerful tool for self-awareness—the foundational component of EQ.
  • "Self awareness, Travis Bradberry says, is at the heart of emotional intelligence. It's not enough, but it's critical." (05:09, Pat)
• Example: Team discussions around Working Genius types (often on this podcast) are designed to foster this awareness.
  • "When we do the Rough edges podcast and we go through and we say, hey, if you're wired as a discerner galvanizer like me, here's how some people might experience you on the other side..." (04:30, Cody)

4. Humor and Cultural Touchpoints: "The Office" Analogy

• Both hosts use The Office as a comedic example of low self-awareness in organizations.
  • "Most of the characters on that show had zero self-awareness... watching people without it is quite comical and I think that's probably why that show was so funny." (07:12, Pat)
  • "Quite frankly. It's not that dissimilar from real life... That's what happens when somebody is on a team and lack self-awareness." (08:00, Cody)

5. Knowing Others: Social Awareness as the Second Pillar

• Understanding others’ Working Geniuses leads to social awareness, the next element of EQ.
  • "It's only half the battle... if you know yourself. But then how do you fit that on a team?" (11:21, Cody)
  • "That requires curiosity, too, which is a separate thing... seek to understand more than to be understood." (11:50, Pat)
• Connection between self-awareness, social awareness, humility, and vulnerability.

6. The Importance of Curiosity, Humility, and Vulnerability

• Curiosity and willingness to engage with others’ perspectives is a hallmark of high EQ.
  • "Curiosity is humility and vulnerability." (13:40, Pat paraphrasing Krista)
  • "Curiosity is vulnerability... it's so great to be curious and say, tell me about how that plays out at work or at home." (12:49, Cody)
• Emotional health is tied to being truly curious about (and invested in) those around you.

7. Applying Self and Social Awareness: What Do You Do With Insight?

• Knowledge isn’t enough—EQ requires acting on awareness to benefit relationships and teams.
  • "It's not enough to be aware and then how do we act on that? That's what we need to talk about next." (15:00, Pat)

8. Vulnerability and Feedback: The Johari Window

• The Johari Window model is referenced as a framework for understanding what we know about ourselves versus what others know, as well as for initiating healthy feedback loops.
  • "The best one is I know it about myself and other people know it about me. That's a great place." (16:01, Cody)

9. Giving the Gift of Feedback

• The highest expression of EQ is the ability to lovingly help others become more self-aware.
  • "The greatest thing, to develop something in yourself so that you can bring that to others." (20:32, Pat)
  • "If they know you've done the work first to understand yourself... that conversation goes so much smoother." (20:18, Cody)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the independence of Working Genius and Emotional Intelligence:

  • "We do not believe there's a correlation... We think they are totally independent." (03:16, Pat)

• On self-awareness as a superpower:

  • "The best kind of CEO in terms of working genius type? The self-aware one." (05:29, Pat)

• On curiosity as empathy:

  • "Curiosity is humility and vulnerability." (13:40, Pat—sharing Krista’s insight)

• On the perils of lacking EQ in the workplace:

  • "Watch this leader walk into this meeting with zero self awareness and watch what happens..." (06:22, Cody)

• On giving feedback as a gift:

  • "The greatest gift you could ever give somebody... is to give somebody a better understanding, a loving understanding of how they can improve their emotional intelligence." (00:00 & 20:32, Pat)

• On not wishing for a different Working Genius:

  • "God made you the way you are and he loves you the way you are. What you can do, though, is increase your ability to understand what that means in you and to let other people know that." (22:45, Pat)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 — Introduction: The gift of helping others develop EQ
• 01:35 — EQ vs. IQ: What matters more in practice
• 03:16 — Debunking a link between Working Genius type and EQ
• 05:09 — Self-awareness as the foundation for Emotional Intelligence
• 07:12 — "The Office" and real-life self-awareness
• 11:21 — Importance of understanding others’ Working Genius
• 13:40 — Curiosity, humility, and vulnerability in relationships
• 15:00 — Turning insight into action: Next steps for EQ
• 16:01 — The Johari Window and its relevance
• 18:18 — Giving and receiving feedback to grow EQ
• 20:32 — Nurturing EQ in others as the ultimate relational gift
• 22:45 — Embracing your own working genius and sharing your journey

Episode Tone

• Warm, playful, and practical: Pat and Cody blend expert insights with relatable humor, analogies (like The Office), and real-life examples to make concepts accessible and actionable.
• Encouraging, humble, and vulnerable: The hosts model the very self-awareness and curiosity they advocate, often sharing personal stories, spiritual reflections, and inviting listeners to join them in ongoing growth.

Final Takeaways

• Working Genius and EQ are not directly correlated, but self-awareness—fostered by understanding your Working Genius—lays the groundwork for emotional intelligence.
• EQ is a skill that can and should be developed by everyone, regardless of their natural working genius gifts.
• Curiosity, humility, vulnerability, and willingness to give and receive feedback are crucial for personal and team growth.
• The best leaders—and teammates—are those who know themselves, seek to understand others, and help everyone around them grow in self- and social-awareness.

For further growth, Pat recommends reading Travis Bradberry’s work and engaging with the Working Genius framework as an ongoing tool for developing both self and social awareness in every arena of life.