The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Episode 104: New Year's Evolution

Release Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Patrick Lencioni (Pat) & Cody Thompson (Cody)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Pat and Cody challenge the traditional approach to New Year's resolutions. Instead of fixating on perceived weaknesses or past failures, they introduce the concept of a "New Year's Evolution"—using the Working Genius framework to spend more time in one's areas of natural strength ("genius") and less in areas of frustration. The hosts unpack how this self-awareness reduces shame and guilt and increases productivity and joy, both at work and at home.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pitfalls of Typical New Year's Resolutions

• Common Mistake: Most people base resolutions on their weakest areas from the past year, often leading to shame and self-judgment.
  • Quote: “I think of the thing that I was worst at for the last year, and I often think, if I could just get better at that thing, that should be my New Year's resolution.” – Cody [01:20]
• Shame Cycle: Addressing areas of frustration without considering natural wiring sets people up for disappointment.
  • Quote: “Leaning into our shame is probably not a great way to start the year.” – Pat [02:16]
• Einstein/Fish Analogy: If you judge yourself by metrics misaligned with your strengths (e.g., a fish climbing a tree), you experience unnecessary shame.
  • Quote: “If a fish judges itself by its ability to climb a tree, it'll spend its whole life thinking it's stupid... But all too often we do the exact same thing, especially as it relates to New Year's resolutions.” – Cody [02:36]

2. Evolving Resolutions With Working Genius

• Know Yourself First: Before transformation, the first step is honest self-reflection—understand your Working Genius profile.
  • Quote: “The first thing we need to resolve in this New Year's evolution is that we are going to know ourselves.” – Pat [05:26]
• Ditch the Guilt: Let go of shame and judgment tied to your natural strengths and weaknesses.
  • Quote: “Take the time to get to know yourself and know how you're wired so that you can abandon that shame and guilt and judgment that you need to let go of to move forward.” – Pat [05:41]
• Resolution 2.0: Refocus your goals on increasing the time spent in your area(s) of genius.
  • Quote: “How do I spend more time in my area of genius this year?... If I spent more time this year in my area of genius, that would be good all the way around.” – Pat [06:05]
• Work and Life Applications: Even if your current job doesn’t align, look for ways personally and professionally to engage your genius.

3. Practical Application & Auditing Your Life

• Conduct a Genius Audit: Take stock of how much time you currently spend in each Working Genius zone (genius, competence, frustration).
  • Quote: “Taking that audit gives me a starting point.” – Pat [07:56]
  • Suggested Breakdown: 50%+ in genius, ~30% in competency, <20% in frustration [08:15]
• Team Opportunities: Encourage teams/managers to facilitate more genius-aligned work for everyone.
  • Quote: “If you manage a team… I'd like to see everybody who works here spending a little bit more time, if not a lot more time, in the things that give them joy and energy.” – Pat [10:46]
• Don’t Fear the Ask: Don’t let guilt or old beliefs (“If it were fun, they wouldn’t call it work”) stop you from requesting more genius-aligned tasks.
  • Quote: “We have to get over that guilt, like, we're not allowed to ask… Most bosses are going to go, 'Hey, let's take a look at your job and see what you're great at.'” – Pat [10:20]
• Mini-Policy Idea: Treat Working Genius like companies treat volunteering—offer set hours to focus on genius-driven work. [11:26]

4. Personal & Home Life Examples

Pat’s Example (Inventor/Discerner)

• Genius Goal: Wants to spend scheduled time reading business media and stories—not as a distraction but to fuel innovation and content for his work.
  • Quote: “I want to spend more time looking through, like, business, media and stories… And again, I wouldn't normally ask that because I feel like, oh, I need to have lots of meetings… This is the year I need to probably carve out time… to indulge my curiosity...” – Pat [13:10–13:58]

Cody’s Example (Discerner/Galvanizer)

• Genius at Home: Realized he could use his professional discernment and galvanizing skills to help his wife organize and energize their homeschooling routine.

  • Division of Labor: He galvanizes, she executes tenacity.
  • Quote: “I feel some guilt about doing it at home… but the strategic anchors around how we do homeschool… I've not dove in and said, hey, let me help with that…” – Cody [14:13]
  • Learning: Recognizing roles can reduce guilt and optimize strengths at home.

• Pat’s Reflection on Family: Using Working Genius with spouses leads to more fulfillment; e.g., inventing and dreaming together, not just in set "roles."

  • Quote: “We need to spend more time just inventing and dreaming, and we don't do it enough.” – Pat [16:18]

5. Takeaway Steps for Listeners

• 1. Audit: Reflect on your past year—identify time in each Working Genius category.
• 2. Plan: Set a goal to increase time spent in your genius (even small increments help).
• 3. Communicate: Ask your manager, team, or family to help facilitate more genius-aligned activity—most will welcome it!
• 4. Apply to Home and Work: Use the Working Genius concept not just in your job, but with family and life outside work.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Resolutions and Shame:

  • “When you say if you don't get better at the thing you don't like, or that you're not naturally good at, you're going to feel bad about yourself, that's… the year of shame.” – Pat [04:11]

• On Self-Reflection:

  • “If you're not auditing what went poorly and went well… then it's really hard to find the right direction in the next 12 months.” – Cody [08:56]

• On Genius at Home:

  • “Just like at work, we shouldn't think, well, I'm in marketing, they're in HR, they're in finance. We should actually be working across functions based on our working genius.” – Pat [16:12]

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–02:26: The problem with traditional resolutions and the role of shame
• 02:26–05:26: Why resolutions fail when misaligned with natural wiring
• 05:26–06:32: Step 1—Self-knowledge and eliminating shame
• 06:32–08:48: Auditing your current genius/competency/frustration breakdown
• 08:48–12:45: Making genius-driven changes at work and home; how to ask for more genius time
• 12:45–17:26: Personal examples from Pat and Cody—applying Working Genius at home
• 17:26–End: Closing thoughts and challenge to listeners

Conclusion

Pat and Cody urge listeners to abandon shame-based resolutions and instead evolve their approach by focusing on spending more time in their Working Genius. They highlight the value of self-reflection, honest communication, and courage—reminding everyone that whether at work or at home, prioritizing your genius is better for you and those around you. The episode closes by encouraging listeners to take action now—don’t just think about your genius, create real opportunities to use it this year.

“New Year's evolution? Let's evolve our resolutions.” – Cody [18:08]