The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni: Episode 80 Summary

Title: Questions that Activate Each Genius
Release Date: August 9, 2024
Host: Patrick Lencioni
Guests: Cody, Tracy, Beau, Matt

Introduction

In Episode 80 of The Working Genius Podcast, host Patrick Lencioni delves into the art of crafting questions that activate each of the six Working Genius types. The episode, titled "Questions that Activate Each Genius," features an engaging discussion with his team members—Cody, Tracy, Beau, and Matt—who explore how intentional questioning can unlock natural talents within individuals and enhance team dynamics.

Understanding the Purpose of Activation Questions

Patrick opens the conversation by emphasizing the struggle with the term "activate," opting instead for words like "galvanize" or "provoke" to better capture the essence of bringing out each genius. He introduces the concept that every genius has unique cravings, and by asking the right questions, leaders can tap into these cravings to maximize team performance.

Patrick Lencioni [00:33]:
"We really struggled with that word activate part of it... how do we bring out the geniuses?"

Wonder: Eliciting Perspective and Insight

The team begins by discussing the first genius type—Wonder—which thrives on contemplating possibilities and asking fundamental questions about the work at hand.

Cody [01:04]:
"If a person loves invention, they would lend their invention to the discussion... but sometimes you need to create time and space to invite that genius."

Tracy [02:45]:
"How do you ask that to invite someone to their genius rather than just forcing an idea?"

Patrick and Matt elaborate on specific questions that spark the Wonder genius:

• "What do you see as the real opportunity or problem that we should be solving for?"
• "What are we missing here?"

These questions encourage individuals to step back and offer their unique perspectives without feeling like they’re hindering progress.

Matt [03:58]:
"Those questions make me feel like I can say whatever I want, and that it's invited instead of stepping on toes."

Invention: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation

Moving to the Invention genius, which thrives on generating novel ideas, the team discusses how to foster an environment conducive to creativity.

Tracy [06:11]:
"It feels like being invited to a playground... we're inviting you to be creative."

Key questions to activate the Invention genius include:

• "What are your ideas and thoughts on how to solve this?"
• "Please exercise your freedom—what do you got for us?"

These prompts give inventors the liberty to explore a wide array of solutions without immediate judgment or constraints.

Beau [07:06]:
"When someone asks us that, we feel like we're walking into a candy store... eat whatever you want."

Discernment: Refining and Evaluating Ideas

The Discernment genius is next, focusing on evaluating and refining ideas to ensure they are viable and effective.

Beau [09:58]:
"Could I hear your perspective on whether you think this idea will work?"

This section highlights the importance of trust in eliciting honest and constructive feedback:

• "I trust your intuition. Can I hear your perspective on whether you think this idea will work?"
• "Can you help us refine this idea?"

Cody [12:11]:
"Curiosity is vulnerability... it helps build trust by being vulnerable, saying, like, I don't know the answer, but you have great intuition."

Galvanizing: Motivating and Rallying the Team

Galvanizers are the catalysts who motivate and rally the team towards action. The discussion explores questions that empower them to inspire others effectively.

Pat [15:16]:
"One of the questions is, hey, we need to get this moving. Can you help us rally everybody around this?"

Key questions include:

• "We need to get this moving. Can you help us rally everybody around this?"
• "It feels like everybody's going in different directions. Can you help us realign around what's most important?"

These questions provide galvanizers like Cody with the framework to energize the team without feeling their efforts are overbearing.

Cody [16:18]:
"I hope everybody listening is feeling compelled to jump in and galvanize because it sounds really life-giving."

Enablement: Supporting and Facilitating Success

The Enablement genius thrives on supporting others and ensuring that projects gain the necessary momentum through appreciation and assistance.

Beau [20:10]:
"This project needs support and momentum. Can you help us get started?"

Vital questions to activate Enablement include:

• "This project needs support and momentum. Can you help us get started?"
• "We need help anticipating how this project will impact others. Can we get your perspective?"

These prompts ensure that enablers like Tracy feel valued and appreciated for their role in facilitating team success.

Tracy [22:47]:
"I felt dread when asked about support because it feels exhausting, but the right questions energize me."

Tenacity: Driving Projects to Completion

Finally, the Tenacity genius is essential for pushing projects to their completion with unwavering determination.

Pat [25:44]:
"We need to invite tenacity of teammates and understand how to draw them out."

Effective questions to engage Tenacity include:

• "Can you help us move this initiative to completion?"
• "What do we need to think through and what deep details might we be missing?"

These questions provide clarity and direct support, enabling tenacious individuals to finalize projects without unnecessary obstacles.

Cody [28:04]:
"If we want to invite tenacity, we need to provide a clear project plan for execution."

Integrating the Questions for Combined Geniuses

The conversation also touches on how to approach individuals with combined genius types, such as someone who is both a W (Wonder) and I (Invention). The team emphasizes the importance of tailoring questions to address each aspect of their combined strengths effectively.

Practical Applications and Team Dynamics

Throughout the episode, Patrick and his team share personal anecdotes and professional experiences, illustrating the profound impact of asking the right questions. They highlight how these questions not only activate individual geniuses but also foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Tracy [30:08]:
"This is a great, fun conversation."

Conclusion

Episode 80 of The Working Genius Podcast masterfully explores how strategic questioning can unlock the full potential of each genius type within a team. By understanding and applying these tailored questions, leaders can enhance team dynamics, foster individual fulfillment, and drive collective success.

Pat Lin Choney [30:19]:
"This podcast is growing faster than anything we're doing, and we appreciate that and we love your feedback. We will talk to you next time on the Working Genius podcast."

Notable Quotes:

• Patrick Lencioni [03:58]:
  "Rather than feeling like I'm getting in the way of progress, it actually makes me feel like they want my opinion."

• Cody [12:11]:
  "Curiosity is vulnerability... it helps build trust by being vulnerable."

• Beau [07:06]:
  "When someone asks us that, we feel like we're walking into a candy store... eat whatever you want."

• Tracy [22:47]:
  "I felt dread when asked about support because it feels exhausting, but the right questions energize me."

For listeners eager to implement these insights, the team plans to share a comprehensive PDF containing all the activation questions discussed. This resource aims to provide practical tools for leaders and team members to harness their unique geniuses effectively.

Beau [30:22]:
"I think we should share the whole PDF. It's fantastic."

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