111. Working Genius and Blind Spots

More from The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni All episodes →

1. 

   E116 · 30 Jun 2026 · 21 min

   116. 5 Tips for Managers

   How much trust could be built if managers were honest about their own working frustrations? In episode 116 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson share five practical tips for managers who want to use Working Genius with their employees in a meaningful way. They explain why managers should begin by listening, helping employees process their own results, and creating a safe space for conversations about geniuses, frustrations, and job fit. The episode shows how a simple Working Genius conversation can build trust, improve management, and help teams work with more…

2. 

   E115 · 16 Jun 2026 · 15 min

   115. Work Allergies

   What kind of work are you trying to master even though it consistently drains you? In episode 115 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore why people should not try to become great at their Working Frustrations. They explain how spending too much time in draining work can create a “work allergy,” making people resistant even to small, necessary doses of that work later on. The conversation encourages listeners to honor their natural gifts, avoid proving themselves through frustrating work, and practice moderation when unavoidable tasks arise. Topics explored in this episode:…

3. 

   E114 · 2 Jun 2026 · 22 min

   114. C X O

   What would change if your team focused more on talents than job descriptions? In episode 114 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore why leadership roles cannot be reduced to generic titles or one-size-fits-all job descriptions. They explain how Working Genius helps leaders understand their own wiring, build around their gaps, and stop assuming that every CEO, COO, or team member should operate the same way. The conversation ultimately points teams toward collective accountability, where tasks are divided according to talent but ownership remains shared.…

4. 

   E113 · 19 May 2026 · 20 min

   113. Ask For Help

   Why is it so hard for you to ask for help with the things that frustrate you? In episode 113 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack why asking for help is one of the most practical and freeing applications of Working Genius. They explain how people often assume the work they hate must be miserable for everyone else, when in reality it may be exactly the kind of work that gives someone else joy and energy. Through examples from work, friendship, neighborhoods, and marriage, they show how naming your frustrations can reduce shame, build trust, and deepen…

5. 

   E112 · 5 May 2026 · 28 min

   112. Working Genius Is FUN

   Why do traditional “fun at work” solutions often fall short? In episode 112 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matthew Lencioni discuss the idea of fun at work, arguing that real enjoyment comes from operating within your Working Genius rather than relying on perks or surface-level incentives. Pat and Cody explore how different people experience the same activity in different ways based on their strengths, and how this applies across work, hobbies, and even vacations. Leaders who align roles with natural energy unlock not only better performance but a more…

6. 

   E110 · 7 Apr 2026 · 26 min

   110. In the Grip

   What does your Working Genius look like when you're under stress, and would you even recognize it in yourself? In episode 110 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matt Lencioni explore what happens to each of the six Working Genius types when they're under stress, a state they call being "in the grip." Walking through Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity letter by letter, the team uncovers how each type's greatest strengths can become their most challenging behaviors when unregulated. The conversation closes with a practical and…

7. 

   E109 · 24 Mar 2026 · 29 min

   109. Your Company’s Genius featuring Matthew Lencioni

   How can you tell which Working Genius pairing defines the company where you work? In episode 109 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore whether organizations have a dominant Working Genius pairing just like individuals do. Joined by Matthew Lencioni, they test the idea against well known brands and unpack how culture, customer experience, and leadership all point to a company’s natural strengths and blind spots. Matthew Lencioni is part strategist, part behind the scenes operator, and fully immersed in the world of Working Genius. As a key voice at The…

8. 

   E108 · 10 Mar 2026 · 19 min

   108. Feedback vs. Criticism

   Why do people often react defensively when receiving criticism? In episode 108 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson examine the crucial difference between criticism and constructive feedback. They explain how understanding someone’s Working Genius helps leaders frame feedback to acknowledge strengths while encouraging adjustments when necessary. By leading with appreciation and clarity, feedback becomes a gift that helps people grow rather than a criticism that discourages them. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00:00) Why Feedback Often Feels Like Criticism…

9. 

   E107 · 24 Feb 2026 · 20 min

   107. Distance Between Geniuses

   How does the distance between your strengths affect your stress at work? In episode 107 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson take a deeper look at what happens when your working geniuses are far apart. While every genius pairing brings value, certain combinations create unique stress that can leave people feeling misunderstood or frustrated. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00:50) Understanding Genius Distance The idea of having working geniuses that sit far apart in the workflow is explained. These gaps are shown to create frustration, stress, and…

10. 

    E106 · 10 Feb 2026 · 17 min

    106. No Shame in That

    What would change if you stopped trying to fix what isn’t broken? In episode 106 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack how shame often forms around working frustrations that were never meant to define a person’s value or capability. They explain how misunderstanding your wiring can lead to burnout, striving, and the belief that something is wrong with you. By reframing frustrations as part of how you were designed, the episode offers relief, freedom, and dignity at work and in life. Topics explored in this episode: (02:01) Relief from Lifelong Guilt and…