The phrase "It's a map, not the territory" serves as a powerful reminder that models offer guidance, not absolute truths. Think of personality profiles like MBTI, DISC, or Enneagram – each provides a unique vantage point on yourself but all have limitations.
Working Genius stands out for its ability to create a common language for understanding individual strengths, facilitating collaboration and integrating the human element with other business frameworks like Lean, Traction or Six Sigma. This alignment between people and systems is a win-win: teams function seamlessly, and frameworks gain a human dimension for maximum effectiveness.
While I have a special passion for Working Genius, I recognize that most models hold value. Below, I've listed some of my favorites, along with some of the unique insights I've gained from each. Hopefully, this will empower you to explore the models that resonate most with you and your goals.
Its a Map, Not the Territory
The Beauty of Working Genius
Simplicity
Of the many models, Working Genius appears to be one of the simplest. This is because the most important part of the model is understanding your own geniuses/frustrations, and recalling the geniuses of others. In total there are only 6 words to understand, Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement and Tenacity. That’s it.
Following the Problem Solving Model
Most assessment measure a number of different metrics, extraversion vs introversion, sensing vs feeling, flexible vs precise, etc. These tell you interesting stories but it is tough to remember your results and even tougher to recall everyone else’s.
Working Genius follows the problem solving model, Ideation-Implementation makes it so intuitive and inherently collaborative. The first thing society did after figuring out how to not kill each other, was solve problems and it is still the basic currency of business today. While I can’t say with certainty I believe this is what makes WG so easy to feel, see and recall. We all go through this model every single day.
Consistency
This has been a big one for me. The most common rebuke of assessments that I hear is how the results change over time. How at each point in life we embodied various traits and strengths. For example I am an extravert but have often presented as an introvert depending on the setting and generally become much more introverted as I have gotten older and had children. With less spare energy and alone time I find the limits of my extraversion much sooner.
When I work with parents and children I often hear stories of how this perfectly describes the behavior of their children when they were infants all the way through present. I see the same in myself. Working Genius has put words to things I have felt my whole life, but could never describe. It is an incredible, consistent tool.
Collaboration
With the model being so simple, consistent and centered around problem solving, it is inherently easy to collaborate with. Discernment is a Frustration of mine. To utilize the model means I just need to find someone with Discernment as a genius and say “George, could I borrow your Discernment for a minute?” George, getting Joy and energy out of Discernment is typically happy to help and understands exactly what I am asking for. The language is so easy, and so intuitive that it becomes common vernacular quickly.
Other “Maps”
These groupings are subjective – there's no perfect way to categorize these powerful tools. What they share is the pursuit of understanding and optimizing the often-chaotic world – whether that's businesses, teams, or yourself. Each model offers unique insights and terminology, reminding us to embrace the lessons within them all, recognizing few absolute truths in life.
Personality/Behavioral Assessments
These describe an individual often describing how they might behave in a team setting. People are inherently diverse and difficult to measure. Each takes a different approach with strengths and weaknesses.
Working Genius
Enneagram
The Ideal Team Player
The Kolbe Index
Predictive Index
DISC
MBTI
Business Planning/Problem Solving Models
These systems offer diverse frameworks for optimizing various aspects of a business. They address how to organize teams, improve communication, enhance problem-solving methods and structure workspaces.
The Infinite Game
Kaizen
Lean
Traction
Six Sigma
Start With WHY
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
Policing Models
Similar to business models optimizing internal operations, these policing models aim to improve safety within the complex environment of a community utilizing a diverse set of methodologies.
Intelligence-Led Policing
Problem Oriented Policing
Compstat
Community Oriented Policing
Hot Spot Policing
Working Genius Tying the Models Together
While models like Lean, Six Sigma, and others offer powerful strategies for tackling problems, they miss a crucial element: effectively coordinating the people who implement them. That's where Working Genius shines! It aligns individual Geniuses with problem-solving stages, maximizing efficiency. With these insights, you can strategically assign roles aligned with individual strengths, maximizing efficiency, and minimizing setbacks. This integration unleashes the full potential of your team AND your chosen problem-solving models.