The Working Genius Podcast, Episode 107: “Distance Between Geniuses” (Feb 24, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson examine the “distance” between the two Working Geniuses individuals possess, focusing on cases where those gifts aren’t adjacent on the Working Genius spectrum. Using the Working Genius model as a framework, they explore the distinct stress and challenges that arise when someone’s two geniuses are separated by two or three stages on the model. The discussion delves into what this means for self-awareness, teamwork, and practical strategies to harness unique configurations for more fulfilling work and life.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Understanding the Working Genius Spectrum

• The Working Genius model includes six “geniuses”: Wonder (W), Invention (I), Discernment (D), Galvanizing (G), Enablement (E), Tenacity (T).
• Each individual has two Working Geniuses, sometimes adjacent, sometimes spread apart on the model.
• When there is a large distance between person’s two Geniuses (i.e., W and T, or I and T), unique challenges and stressors emerge.

Notable Quote

“There are people out there who have these geniuses that are not mapped right next to each other…if you’re self-aware enough to know, ‘oh, that’s my wonder kicking in…’ you don’t have to walk around thinking, ‘Oh, that’s so easy for all of them and it’s not easy for me. Something’s wrong with me.’” – Cody (00:00)

2. Altitude Sickness: The “Distance” Challenge

[00:50 – 03:54]

• Patrick introduces the term “altitude sickness” for the feeling of abrupt transition between high-level conceptual work and ground-level implementation.
• The greatest classic “distance” is Wonder (W, high-level ideation) to Tenacity (T, execution).
• Other big distances: Invention (I) to Tenacity (T), Wonder (W) to Enablement (E).

Notable Quote

“For WT, it’s … two different activities that are pretty far apart in the normal sequence of getting work done. There is a unique kind of stress that’s involved in that, and they’re often misunderstood as well.” – Pat (02:28)

3. Case Study: Invention & Tenacity (“IT”)

[03:54 – 07:45]

• People with I and T geniuses leap from idea generation straight to pushing for completion, skipping vital steps (discernment, galvanizing, enablement).
• This can cause stress and frustration for themselves and their teams.
• “Double disruptive” effect: Both I and T are considered disruptive geniuses, amplifying the need for patience as they skip over the “responsive” geniuses.

Notable Conversation

“The process of saying, ‘Here’s an idea,’ and then feeling naturally wired to say, ‘Now I have to complete it’ is a stressful place to be.” – Cody (05:02)

“To be an IT means you have so many gaps to fill before you get to exercise the second part of your genius. And that’s really hard.” – Pat (06:09)

4. Case Study: Wonder & Enablement (“WE”)

[07:45 – 11:47]

• WE is a “double responsive” configuration (both W and E are about responding rather than disrupting).
• When someone asks for help, WE types leap to assist but later get caught in a loop of lingering questions or doubts.
• They often suppress their helpful “wonder” questions to avoid being seen as obstacles, which can lead to guilt and being misunderstood.

Notable Exchange

“Their natural inclinations go, ‘Yes, I will.’ And then they go, ‘Oh, but I have questions.’ … They can often feel a sense of being overwhelmed and misunderstood. WEs are frequently misunderstood.” – Pat (08:08, 09:08)

• Example of Cody’s son (a WE), who always says yes, then agonizes over whether it was right afterward ([10:30]).

5. Practical Strategies for Team and Self-Management

[11:47 – 17:57]

• Awareness is Key: Recognize that frustration or perceived inefficiency may stem from the configuration of Geniuses, not a flaw in character.
• Give Permission and Space: Managers/teammates should help “distance” Geniuses separate their work types, e.g., encouraging a WT not to “W” during “T” work.
• Leverage Group Genius: Leaders should identify these distances and use frameworks (like thematic goals) to reinforce purpose and allow people to focus on their zone.
• Name Your Process: Use the language of Working Genius openly in teams (e.g., “are you T-ing or W-ing right now?”) to clarify and respect each person’s rhythm.

Notable Quotes

“If you know what a person’s working genius is and you can meet them halfway … you can give them permission to either be patient or to back the process up to the beginning.” – Pat (11:47)

“Try to separate them. Try not to do them at the same time, because they don’t really—there’s a lot in between.” – Pat (13:28)

“Oftentimes the W is just needing a reminder to say … ‘Can you just tell me again why this is important?’ and then I can activate the tenacity.” – Cody (15:41)

6. Key Model Insight: What “Distance” Means

[17:06 – 17:57]

• Having non-adjacent geniuses means skipping over entire phases of work (“ideation” straight to “implementation”), and bypassing “activation.”
• Statistically rare in consultants (most people’s Geniuses are adjacent), so these individuals bring unique value and challenges.

Notable Quote

“…the definition of all three of those [WE, IT, WT] is you’re going directly from ideation to implementation and skipping over activation. By definition, that’s what’s going on.” – Pat (17:09)

7. Actionable Takeaways and Encouragement

[17:57 – End]

• If you have this tension, use the Working Genius model as a “container” to explain it to yourself and others.
• Consider how to “separate” the two types of work, pause, and bring in others to fill in gaps.
• The ongoing discussion and openness around Working Genius is crucial for team success and personal growth.

Memorable Moments & Super-Useful Application

• Pat sharing office anecdotes: Desk plaques with Working Genius types help teams interact more compassionately and efficiently ([15:58]).
• Analogy: “Inhale, exhale” flow through the stages, and how disruptive vs. responsive matchups shape tension ([06:39]).
• Call to Certify: The practical benefits of Working Genius certification for deeper application are highlighted ([18:39]).

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:00 — Self-awareness and why it matters for “distance” Geniuses (Cody)
• 02:28 — What it feels like to have widely separated Geniuses (Pat)
• 03:54 — Deep dive: Invention and Tenacity (“IT”) stress and implications
• 07:45 — Deep dive: Wonder and Enablement (“WE”) and the tension of double-responsiveness
• 11:47 — How to manage and anticipate the needs of “distance” Geniuses on teams
• 13:28 — Practical advice: separating your Geniuses, and how to focus
• 15:41 — Using frameworks and reminders to activate the right Genius at the right time
• 17:09 — Model insight: skipping stages and activation
• 18:39 — Certification and deeper learning opportunities

Episode Tone & Energy

Warm, exploratory, and practical. Patrick and Cody think out loud, model curiosity, and combine humor and humility as they test ideas. They encourage the audience to see Working Genius not as a label but as a living tool for understanding themselves and others more deeply.

Conclusion

Episode Core Message: When your Working Geniuses are far apart, frustration and misunderstanding aren’t personal failings; they’re predictable, surmountable challenges rooted in your unique wiring. By recognizing these patterns, using a shared language, and inviting others’ Geniuses into your process, you can transform stress into synergy.

“There’s nothing wrong with you…you don’t have to walk around thinking, ‘Oh, that’s so easy for all of them and it’s not easy for me.’ Something’s wrong with me. It’s like, no, that’s really, really helpful.” – Cody (12:44)

For further exploration and training, consider Working Genius certification or join their upcoming informational webinar.