The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

Episode: Feedback vs. Criticism

Date: March 10, 2026
Host: Patrick Lencioni (Pat)
Co-Host: Cody Thompson

Episode Overview

In this episode, Pat and Cody explore the subtle but powerful distinction between feedback and criticism, focusing on how the Working Genius framework can make feedback more constructive, empathetic, and actionable. They share personal stories and practical advice for delivering feedback that honors individual wiring—both in the workplace and at home—while avoiding unintended criticism that can drain people’s motivation or reinforce self-doubt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Filtering Feedback Through Working Genius

• Starting Point:
  Pat opens by emphasizing the difference between effective feedback and criticism:

  “When we go to give people feedback, the first thing we need to do is pass it through the filter of working genius.” [00:00]

• Rationale:
  Truly impactful feedback requires understanding whether a person’s natural strengths or “genius” are at play, and resisting the urge to send the message that their core qualities are a problem.

Feedback vs. Criticism: The Working Genius Approach

• Different Frameworks:
  Traditional coaching methods like the “Oreo Cookie” (compliment-critique-compliment) feel mechanical and miss the point:

  “It’s like you’re not setting somebody up for a direct piece of feedback... This is what you’re saying is like, hey, we’re wired in a certain way.” (Cody) [03:09]

• Avoiding Character Judgments:
  Instead of framing feedback as a character flaw, recognize it as someone's natural wiring:

  "Until we pass it through their working genius profile, we might very well be criticizing them for being the person God made them to be.” (Pat) [02:37]

• Personal Example:
  Pat shares an anecdote involving his wife, explaining how reflecting on her Working Genius altered his approach from correction to collaboration:

  “I love this about you... However, in these certain circumstances, could you try to override that?” [03:58]

The “Fundamental Attribution Error” in Feedback

• Concept Explanation:
  Pat explains that people tend to attribute others’ actions to character flaws, while excusing their own as situational:

  “We attribute other people’s behaviors, that they have a character flaw... When we go to give people feedback, we should start by saying, I wonder why they act this way.” [05:02]

• Applied to Working Genius:
  Cody illustrates this with an Inventor (Pat’s profile), noting how someone can wrongly infer egotism when it’s simply a natural tendency:

  “One is a character assignment... The other is me understanding that you’re wired that way.” [06:50]

Leading with Grace and Appreciation

• Shifting the Tone:
  Feedback should begin with appreciation of someone’s natural strengths, even when requesting change:

  “All the things I’m giving them feedback about are them doing things according to their Myers Briggs and their working genius. It’s just not always appropriate. And so the first thing I need to do is go in there and go, I know why you’re doing this.” (Pat) [10:27]

• Neighbor Story:
  Cody shares a story of a neighbor who takes out everyone’s trash cans, highlighting the importance of viewing actions through a lens of enablement, not annoyance. [09:12–10:13]

Practical Feedback in Action–Work & Home

• The Gift of Feedback:
  Not all feedback lands as a “gift” if it feels like a “baseball bat.”

  “If the gift is a baseball bat, you’re bludgeoning somebody over the head with it and you’re criticizing them, that’s hard to receive.” (Cody) [11:36]

• Working Genius in Boardrooms:
  Cody recounts how a colleague’s feedback (about slowing down his galvanizing for client processing) was powerful because it respected his genius:

  “That was a true gift of feedback. Didn’t come across as criticism.” (Cody) [12:44]

• Reciprocity:
  Feedback goes both ways—sometimes the Discerners need to be encouraged to make decisions, just as Galvanizers sometimes need to slow down for reflection. [13:15–13:54]
• Home Life Applications:
  Cody details how understanding his wife’s Tenacity helped him see her to-do lists as her genius at work, reducing conflict and deepening appreciation:

  “With the language of working genius, it’s so much easier to say, hey, I know that that is your gift... Let’s go back and redo all the geniuses in order and see where we end up...” (Cody) [15:29]

The Need for Regulation, Not Excuse

• Genius ≠ Excuse:
  Appreciating someone’s genius doesn’t mean excusing everything—they still need to regulate behaviors for the team or family:

  “It’s not an excuse. It’s like, ‘Oh, Cody, I’m really sorry T is in your lowest area... You still have to mop the floor.’” (Pat) [16:33] “I’m going to give you grace... but it’s not like, oh, I’m off the hook.” [16:42]

• Reflection for Leaders and Parents:
  The real goal:

  “Every time I talk to somebody... I need to start by understanding their working genius and acknowledging why it serves them and it serves the team in most circumstances.” (Pat) [13:15]

• Regulation:
  Everyone, especially those in leadership or parenting, must learn to “regulate” their own genius for the good of the group. [16:41]

Final Takeaway

• Pat closes by inviting listeners to consciously factor in Working Genius whenever offering feedback:

  “Ask yourself, how would knowledge of their working geniuses, competencies and frustrations influence how I would explain this in a way they can hear and regulate without feeling unfair and unnecessary shame.” (Pat) [17:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Power of Being Seen:

  “People want to be seen and known for who they are.” (Pat) [01:42]

• On Feedback vs. Criticism:

  “The difference between giving somebody feedback that’s effective, that they can receive and act on, and them feeling insulted and even tempted to argue back with you is often just understanding they’re doing that with good intentions...” (Pat) [00:00, restated at 07:05]

• On Fundamental Attribution:

  “We attribute other people’s behaviors... that they have a character flaw or they’re doing it on purpose... When we cut somebody off in traffic, we’re like, oh, no, I’m just late, or I’m stressed, or, I didn’t know where I was going. We give ourselves the benefit of the doubt.” (Pat) [05:02]

• On Feedback as a True Gift:

  “If the gift is a baseball bat, you’re bludgeoning somebody over the head with it and you’re criticizing them, that’s hard to receive. Working genius gives a language for how do we receive feedback in a really... what feels like a gift?” (Cody) [11:36]

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:00–01:52 – Introduction, context for the episode, the need for feedback through the lens of Working Genius.
• 01:52–03:58 – Introducing the topic; why filtering feedback matters at work and at home.
• 03:58–06:08 – Pat’s personal story about feedback with his wife; discussing fundamental attribution error.
• 06:08–07:05 – Cody’s illustration using Pat’s Inventor genius; avoiding character judgment.
• 07:05–09:06 – Anticipating objections, making people feel seen; preventing the negative feedback spiral.
• 09:06–10:27 – The “trash can neighbor” parable: interpreting actions with grace.
• 10:27–12:44 – Feedback at work: starting with appreciation; using real examples from consulting.
• 12:44–13:54 – Reciprocating feedback; importance of adjusting based on situational needs.
• 13:54–16:42 – Bringing the concept home: family, household chores, and understanding reciprocal frustrations.
• 16:42–17:51 – The balance of grace and regulation; regulation as a vital skill for adults and leaders.
• 17:51–end – Final summary and reflection prompts for listeners.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Always begin feedback with an appreciation of genius, not as a veiled critique of someone’s core nature.
• Use Working Genius language to avoid misattributions—recognize differences in wiring as neutral or positive, not faults.
• Offer feedback as a true gift—empathetic, actionable, and kind—never as a “baseball bat.”
• Remember regulation: just because something is someone’s genius doesn’t exempt them from adapting for the greater good.
• Apply this at home, not just work: better understanding reduces friction and deepens relationships everywhere.

The Working Genius Podcast Contact

• Continue engaging with the show for more real-world applications of the Working Genius model.
• Pat and Cody invite listener feedback and stories about using these methods in their own lives.

End of Summary.