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Send us Fan MailStop Forcing Work That Drains You: Find Your Working GeniusWhat kind of work gives you energy—and what quietly drains your battery?In Real Estate AF Episode 166, Mark Jones sits down with Giancarlo Anduray, a Phoenix Branch Manager and mortgage leader, to break down The 6 Types of Working Genius and apply the framework to real estate, mortgage sales, leadership, hiring, partnerships, marriage and burnout.Giancarlo walks Mark through his assessment in real time. The result explains why Mark naturally builds systems, solves problems and questions inefficiency—and why repetitive support tasks can drain him even when he can do them well.THE SIX TYPES• Wonder — identifies a need for improvement or change• Invention — generates ideas and solutions• Discernment — evaluates whether an idea will work• Galvanizing — creates enthusiasm and action• Enablement — supports implementation• Tenacity — drives work through completionIN THIS EPISODE• Why being different does not mean you are broken• Joy versus short-term motivation• Genius, competency and working frustration• Why talented people can be trapped in the wrong role• Hiring and retaining complementary people• Why one sales activity energizes one person and drains another• Mark's Invention + Discernment pairing• Reducing conflict at work and at home• Building teams and referral partnerships around natural strengths• A real-estate YouTube success story created by changing the activity—not the personGUESTGiancarlo AndurayBranch Manager | NMLS #1537433Premier Mortgage Resources, LLC | NMLS #1169623-552-4191https://www.pmrloans.com/loan-officer/giancarlo-anduray/WORKING GENIUS RESOURCEhttps://www.workinggenius.com/HOSTMark Jones | NMLS #513437Host, Real Estate AFSenior Mortgage Loan Officer | Branch ManageriThink Mortgage powered by Premier Mortgage Resourceshttps://MortgageTalkWithMark.com/https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageTalkwithMarkPOWERED BY LOANBOThttps://myloanbot.ai/CHAPTERS00:00 Get Better Every Day — Cold Open00:32 Welcome to Real Estate AF01:17 Meet Giancarlo Anduray02:09 Why Working Genius Matters in 202604:22 Joy vs. Happiness07:19 How Giancarlo Found Working Genius10:16 Conflict, Expectations & Self-Awareness13:39 Hiring Complementary People15:49 Mark Takes the Assessment16:44 Genius, Competency & Frustration20:08 Wrong Role—or Wrong Person?21:54 Wonder24:31 Invention26:25 Discernment30:51 Galvanizing34:18 Enablement38:39 Tenacity41:10 Why Teams Need All Six43:36 Mark's Results: Invention + Discernment48:18 Competency, Burnout & Regulation51:41 Working Genius at Home54:42 Frustrations, Adaptations & Leadership59:52 Mark's Unique Pairing1:02:42 Giancarlo's Pairing & Complementary Teams1:05:39 Referral Partners & Team Fit1:06:26 The YouTube Success Story1:08:54 Applying Working Genius1:10:34 How to Reach Giancarlo1:11:30 Final Takeaways1:15:00 ClosingQUESTION FOR YOUWhich type sounds most like you: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement or Tenacity?Comment below, then send this episode to the teammate, spouse or business partner whose strengths are completely different from yours.IMPORTANT DISCLOSURESThis content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial, psychological, employment, human-resources, real estate or individualized mortgage advice. Working Genius is a workplace-development framework, not a clinical diagnosis or substitute for licensed medical or mental-health advice.The 6 Types of Working Genius®, Working Genius® and related terminology are associated with Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group. This independent podcast discussion is not sponsored by or affiliated with The Table Group unless expressly stated.Nothing presented is a commitment to lend, loan approval, rate quote, rate lock, Loan Estimate, offer of credit or guarantee of terms. Mortgage programs, rates, costs, guidelines and availability may change without notice. All loans are subject to qualification, credit and property approval, verified documentation, underwriting and program availability. Not all applicants or properties will qualify.Guests speak for themselves. Their views do not necessarily represent Mark Jones, iThink Mortgage, Premier Mortgage Resources, LoanBot or any affiliated organization. No compensation is paid or received for referrals, endorsements or podcast appearances unless disclosed. No referral or settlement-service arrangement is intended or offered in violation of RESPA or applicable law.LoanBot is an educational mortgage technology resource. It does not approve loans, make credit or underwriting decisions, guarantee eligibility or replace a licensed mortgage professional.Mark Jones | NMLS #513437Giancarlo Anduray | NMLS #1537433Premier Mortgage Resources, LLC | NMLS #1169Equal Housing Lender#RealEstateAF #WorkingGenius #LeadershipSupport the showRealEstateAF is Powered by LoanBot.com Host: Mark Jones | Sr. Loan Officer | NMLS# 513437 If you would like to work with Mark on your next home purchase or as a partner visit iThink Mortgage.
Are you avoiding a difficult conversation because you care about someone, or because you are protecting yourself?In episode 277 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore why accountability is consistently one of the hardest behaviors for teams and argue that avoiding difficult feedback is often selfishness disguised as compassion. They explain that real accountability comes from caring enough about another person to tell the truth, even when doing so risks discomfort, frustration, or temporary rejection. They also discuss the importance of trust, timing, leadership modeling, and practicing accountability until hard conversations become a normal part of a healthy team.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Accountability Is an Act of LovePat argues that avoiding difficult feedback is often selfishness disguised as compassion because it protects the person giving the feedback rather than helping the person who needs it.Pat and Cody introduce the idea that genuine accountability requires caring enough about someone to risk discomfort, rejection, or an unpleasant reaction.(04:39) Accountability Is More Than ConsequencesCody connects accountability to parenting and explains why loving someone sometimes requires doing something they may not appreciate in the moment.Pat and Cody distinguish real accountability from simply punishing poor performance, explaining why leaders should address problems before they reach the point of firing or other consequences.(09:43) Loving Someone Enough to Tell the TruthCody explains why accountability is ultimately about helping another person improve, both for the good of the team and for their own development.Pat discusses the personal cost of leadership, including the willingness to be temporarily disliked, and describes a progression for addressing problems directly before escalating them.(14:32) Trust, Timing, and Knowing When to SpeakPat and Cody explore the role of vulnerability-based trust in making difficult conversations possible and discuss circumstances when someone may genuinely not be ready to receive feedback.They explain why leaders should normally lean toward having the conversation while also recognizing that restraint and thoughtful timing can sometimes be the more loving choice.(19:12) Run Toward the RedPat encourages leaders to examine their intentions, accept the inherent messiness of accountability, and move toward uncomfortable issues instead of avoiding them.Cody explains how consistently modeling accountability can create a culture of peer-to-peer accountability, before Pat challenges listeners to identify a conversation they have been avoiding and consider having it.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
David Hoyt spent nineteen years working alongside John Maxwell before landing at The Table Group, Patrick Lencioni's consulting firm, where he now helps leaders master the disciplines of organizational health. In this conversation he breaks down why politics, confusion, and misalignment show up in every organization whether you invite them or not — and what small-team owners can actually do about it. We also get into hiring for behavior instead of skill, why your first leadership move is admitting you've been getting it wrong, and the question David asked me that I couldn't answer about my own team. Key Takeaways You have to be smart and healthy. Being world-class at the craft is table stakes. The moment you're running an organization — even a two-person one — leadership becomes the job. Ask people what they want. PPF conversations (personal, professional, financial) surface the fact that your people almost certainly want something different than you do. Vulnerability starts at the top. If you've been leading badly, saying so out loud is the first real step. Then baby steps, not a total overhaul. Interview for behavior, not just skill. Humble, hungry, and people smart is the floor. Editing chops won't save a bad culture fit. About David Hoyt David Hoyt brings over 25 years of experience in leading people and organizations. He is driven to see organizations create healthy cultures and teams where individuals can thrive. Prior to partnering with The Table Group, David had the privilege of serving as an executive leader with John Maxwell for 19 years. As part of Maxwell's inner circle, he ran a significant portion of John's business interests and served as President of The John Maxwell Company. David works with CEOs and executive teams to help them master the disciplines of Organizational Health to consistently and effectively apply the concepts captured in all of Patrick Lencioni's books. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:18] Meet David Hoyt [07:59] Abundance Mindset [10:30] Coaching [22:36] Leadership [26:59] Vulnerability [28:24] Time Blocking [30:25] Discipline [35:48] Becoming A Healthy Leader [37:09] Hiring The Right Person [39:45] Connect with David [40:42] Outro Quotes "We naturally assume people want what we want. And until we slow down and ask them what they actually want, we'll lead them that way." — David Hoyt "Politics, confusion, misalignment. Those happen naturally. So as a leader, big or small team doesn't matter, a big part of the job is going to battle against those things." — David Hoyt "Everybody wants to interview for the smart side, like the editing skills. What too many people don't interview for is the behavioral piece." — David Hoyt "I don't get very high or very low anymore. It all comes down to discipline." — David Hoyt "I need to block some time to think differently than I'm able to think day in and day out in the rat race of running your business." — David Hoyt Guest Links Check out The Table Group Consulting: tablegroupconsulting.com Contact David Hoyt at david.hoyt@tablegroupconsulting.com Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join us on Onward Summit Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter
What happens when leaders stop performing, start telling the truth and allow themselves to be human?In this episode of Mirror Talk: Soulful Conversations, Tobi speaks with Jim Brown—leadership advisor, founder of OrgHealth, former partner at The Table Group and USA Today bestselling author of The Imperfect CEO. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience alongside CEOs, boards and executive teams, Jim explores why healthy leadership begins with honesty rather than perfection.Together, they examine the hidden pressure many leaders carry to appear certain, capable and in control—even when trust is weakening beneath the surface. Jim explains how the corporate “telephone game” distorts communication as organisations grow, why culture problems are often personal problems in disguise and what happens when ego, fear and image management replace truthful conversation.The conversation also enters the “messy middle”: the uncomfortable space where old leadership habits have stopped working but healthier ways of relating have not yet taken root. Jim reflects on the team trials that reveal what success can conceal, the freedom of admitting that we do not have all the answers and the difference between leading as a hero and leading as a steward.Grounded in Jim's Christian faith and his experiences as a father and grandfather, this episode is an invitation to rethink success, legacy and responsibility. Real leadership is not a polished performance. It is the courage to face reality, care for people and build trust through honest conversation.Chapters00:00 Leading with Humanity Instead of Ego10:21 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Leadership21:00 The Imperfect CEO and the Power of Vulnerability31:52 Communication and the Corporate Telephone Game43:01 When Culture Problems Become Personal45:48 Leadership Through Stewardship and Service51:49 Defining Success Beyond Career AchievementAbout Jim BrownJim Brown is a leadership advisor, author and the founder and founding partner of OrgHealth, where he helps CEOs, executive teams and boards build healthy, life-giving organizational cultures. For more than 30 years, he has worked with leaders carrying significant responsibility and helped them replace guarded performance with clarity, trust and shared ownership.Jim is the USA Today bestselling author of The Imperfect CEO: Making the Climb to Organizational Health and the author of The Imperfect Board Member. His work invites leaders to release the myth of perfection and embrace a more honest, grounded and human way of leading.Connect with Jim BrownOrgHealth: https://www.orghealthteam.com/Jim Brown on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown/The Imperfect CEO: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637749023The Imperfect Board Member — 20th Anniversary Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394336543If this conversation speaks to you, share it with someone learning to lead with greater honesty, humility and courage.Remember: real connection is more powerful than a perfect image.Continue Your JourneyRead CONFESSIONS: A personal invitation to reflection, healing and honest self-discovery: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/confessions-book/ Try Aletheia: Receive calm, personalised biblical wisdom for the questions and decisions shaping your life: https://aletheia.mirrortalkpodcast.com Ask Mirror Talk: Share what is on your heart and receive a thoughtful reflection that may help you see your situation more clearly: https://mirrortalkpodcast.com/ask-mirror-talk/ Support Mirror TalkFollow or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform so you do not miss future conversations about personal growth, spirituality, healing, purpose, relationships, leadership and intentional living.Your rating, review and shared recommendation help more people discover the podcast.You can also support our work and outreach by becoming a Mirror Talk Patreon member: http://patreon.com/MirrorTalk
What if your job title is keeping you from seeing better career opportunities?In episode 121 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson challenge the traditional idea that a career should be defined by a title, industry, degree, or resume. They explain how Working Genius can help people identify the work that gives them energy and discover opportunities in places they might never have considered. They also explore how employers can use Working Genius to hire for natural strengths and passion rather than relying primarily on technical experience.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Stop Defining Yourself by Your FieldPat and Cody explain why defining a career by a company, industry, degree, or job title can unnecessarily limit the opportunities people consider.Working Genius offers another way to think about a career by focusing on the work that naturally brings someone energy, joy, and fulfillment.(04:34) Look Beyond the Name on Your Business CardCody explains how two people with the same profession can contribute in very different ways depending on their Working Geniuses.Pat and Cody explore how transferable strengths can create opportunities across professions and industries instead of trapping people in one established career path.(09:38) Go Where Your Strengths Are Most ValuedCody shares the story of a vintage watch whose perceived value changes depending on where it is taken, illustrating why the same abilities can be valued very differently across organizations.Pat encourages people to look for workplaces that genuinely need and appreciate their strengths rather than simply pursuing jobs that resemble their previous experience.(14:43) Take a Risk on the Work That Energizes YouPat shares how he escaped an unfulfilling internal audit role by proposing a creative employee morale initiative despite having no formal experience doing that kind of work.Pat and Cody argue that natural strengths, passion, and a willingness to take risks can sometimes matter more than degrees, credentials, or years of technical experience.(19:19) Hire for Genius, Not Just ExperiencePat and Cody explain how organizations can find overlooked talent by identifying the Working Geniuses a role actually requires instead of relying primarily on industry experience.They discuss how Working Genius can be used during hiring to help candidates determine whether they will genuinely enjoy the work and help employers find people whose strengths fit the role.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
FrontStage BackStage with Jason Daye - Healthy Leadership for Life and Ministry
Leadership and organizational health expert Patrick Lencioni joins Jason Daye to explore how pastors can discern genuine ministry fruit, resist the pressure to chase growth, and build healthy teams rooted in humility, trust, and dependence on God.How do you know if your ministry is actually bearing fruit? In this week's conversation on FrontStage BackStage, leadership and organizational health expert Patrick Lencioni joins host Jason Daye to explore how pastors and ministry leaders can think differently about growth, effectiveness, healthy teams, and faithfulness to God.Those of us in ministry want to see lives changed and people drawn closer to Jesus. But that good desire can quietly become a pursuit of growth, scale, numbers, or visible impact. And because those outcomes are often easier to quantify, they can begin shaping how we understand our own effectiveness, leaving us encouraged by apparent progress or discouraged when the numbers don't reflect what we hoped to see. Patrick challenges us to examine what we are actually chasing and to consider the difference between the outcomes we can easily quantify and the genuine fruit God produces through faithful ministry.Patrick is the founder and president of The Table Group and the author of thirteen books that have sold more than ten million copies worldwide, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, The Advantage, and The Motive. Drawing from decades of work with leaders and organizations, as well as his own faith, Patrick also shares why the health of the teams carrying out our ministry matters deeply.Together they discuss:Why ministry growth and measurable outcomes are not necessarily the same as genuine fruitHow pastors can evaluate ministry effectiveness without becoming driven by metricsWhat may be hiding beneath our desire to grow and scale a ministryWhy humility and vulnerability are so essential to building healthy ministry teamsThe key action leaders can take to help their teams experience greater vulnerability and trustWhy even the healthiest leaders and teams never outgrow their dependence on GodIf you're a pastor or ministry leader wondering how to faithfully evaluate whether your ministry is making a difference, this conversation offers a thoughtful way forward. Fruit matters. Team health matters. Effectiveness matters. But none of these require us to manufacture outcomes God never asked us to control. We can pursue healthy, effective ministry while remaining faithful to what God has called us to do and dependent on Him for the fruit.Looking to dig more deeply into this topic and conversation? FrontStage BackStage is much more than another church leadership show, it is a complete resource to help you and your ministry leaders grow. Every week we go the extra mile and create a free toolkit so you and your ministry team can dive deeper into the topic that is discussed.Visit http://PastorServe.org/network to find the Weekly Toolkit, including the Ministry Leaders Growth Guide. Our team pulls key insights and quotes from every conversation with our guests. We also create engaging questions for you and your team to consider and process, providing space for you to reflect on how each episode's topic relates to your unique church context. Use these questions in your staff meetings, or other settings, to guide your conversation as you invest in the growth of your ministry leaders.Love well, live well, & lead wellComplimentary Coaching Session for Pastors http://PastorServe.org/freesessionFollow PastorServe LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Jason Daye LinkedIn | Instagram...
Are Your Meetings Too Comfortable?Workplace drama has a bad reputation, but in episode 276 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson argue that genuine drama is often exactly what healthy organizations need. When teams allow real emotions, disagreements, fears, and convictions into the room, they can address difficult issues instead of letting them quietly grow. The challenge for leaders is learning to distinguish healthy drama from manufactured melodrama and then creating an environment where people can say what really needs to be said.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Workplaces Need More DramaPat and Cody challenge the assumption that all workplace drama is unhealthy, distinguishing genuine human emotion from exaggerated melodrama.They argue that organizations become more interesting, engaging, and effective when people are willing to address the emotional reality behind important issues.(04:03) Putting Real Stakes Back Into WorkCody compares healthy organizations to compelling movies, explaining that meaningful stakes and interpersonal dynamics are what make both stories and workplaces engaging.Pat explains how companies often drain emotion from strategic conversations even though excitement, fear, disappointment, conflict, and hope are naturally part of important decisions.(08:47) Good Drama, Bad DramaPat and Cody explore how fear, disagreement, and other genuine emotions can help teams surface problems and address the elephant in the room.They distinguish legitimate workplace tension from manufactured or unnecessary emotion that may point to a personal struggle or dysfunctional behavior.(13:18) Leaders Have to Run Toward the DangerCody explains that the most valuable consulting moments occur when teams move beyond models and finally surface the real problem they have been avoiding.Pat and Cody argue that leaders should become energized by meaningful tension and run toward important issues instead of quickly neutralizing or taking them offline.(17:48) Mine for the Last Ten PercentPat shares a memorable prank involving a client team to illustrate how emotion and drama can make important organizational moments memorable and revealing.Pat and Cody encourage leaders to ask whether people are withholding the final 10% of what they think and to actively mine for genuine emotion and conflict.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
How might your Working Genius influence the way you naturally pray?In episode 121 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody explore the idea that Working Genius may shape not only how people work, but also how they naturally approach prayer. They discuss how different forms of prayer, including spontaneous prayer, journaling, contemplation, structured prayers, silence, and group prayer, may appeal to different kinds of wiring. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to understand their natural preferences without becoming limited by them, because some of the most meaningful spiritual growth may come from praying outside their genius.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) How Your Wiring Shapes PrayerPat introduces the idea that people may have natural prayer preferences connected to their Working Genius, just as they have preferences in the way they approach work.He explains that understanding those tendencies can reduce guilt or self-judgment when someone does not naturally enjoy praying the same way another person does.(02:19) Finding Your Natural Prayer StyleCody connects his Discernment and Galvanizing combination to spontaneous, in-the-moment prayer and considers how disruptive versus responsive tendencies might also affect prayer.Pat gives examples of how different Working Genius combinations might lend themselves to group prayer, contemplative prayer, journaling, or more structured practices.(04:46) Why You Should Pray Outside Your GeniusPat explains that people should not limit themselves to doing only the work, or prayer, that comes naturally to them.He describes how structured prayer such as the rosary can become especially meaningful when he intentionally embraces it despite it not being his natural preference.(07:12) Stretching Beyond What Feels ComfortableCody reflects on his difficulty maintaining practices such as journaling and silence and considers how those challenges may relate to his natural Working Genius wiring.Pat explains that accepting a natural preference can actually make it easier to engage other forms of prayer without resentment, guilt, or the feeling that prayer has become work.(09:37) Prayer, Sacrifice, and Spiritual GrowthCody compares praying outside one's natural wiring to fasting, suggesting that choosing something other than the path of least resistance can shape who a person becomes.Pat distinguishes joyful sacrifice from reluctant obligation and closes by encouraging listeners to spend a few minutes praying either in their natural way or in a way that stretches them.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful.Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/aboutSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/appleSpotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfyYouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgytBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Where do you actually do your best and most important work?Work does not always happen where, when, or how people expect it to happen. In episode 275 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore why thinking, brainstorming, reflecting, and solving problems should count just as much as the visible activity people typically associate with productivity. They challenge leaders to create cultures that measure people by meaningful contribution and results rather than how busy they appear at their desks.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Where Does Work Really Happen?Pat questions whether traditional work hours and office spaces accurately reflect when people are actually doing their most valuable work.Cody expands the conversation by asking a more fundamental question: what should actually qualify as work?(03:43) Making Space for Different Kinds of WorkPat explains why choosing to stay away from the office for an hour of focused creative thinking can sometimes be more productive than immediately sitting at a desk.Pat and Cody discuss how personality, Working Genius, and the nature of a person's responsibilities can influence where and how that person works best.(07:27) What Leaders Should MeasurePat challenges CEOs to consider whether they want employees thinking about their work outside traditional work hours and argues that overly rigid boundaries can discourage that engagement.Cody pushes the idea further by questioning why computer work and task completion are so often treated as more legitimate than meetings, conversations, and creative thought.(10:57) The Four Types of WorkPat introduces a two-by-two framework that divides work into thinking versus doing and collective versus solitary.The conversation explores why each type of work may require a different setting and why organizations should deliberately create room for thinking rather than defaulting constantly to execution.(14:32) Effectiveness Over Visible ProductivityPat argues that healthy cultures can give people more freedom over how they work while still expecting meaningful results.Pat and Cody conclude that organizations should judge contribution by the work that actually needs to be accomplished rather than whether productivity is visibly demonstrated through desk time and constant activity.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Patrick Lencioni is co-founder and President of The Table Group and is the pioneer of the organizational health movement. He is the author of 13 books, which have sold over 8 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages. As President of the Table Group, Pat spends his time speaking and writing about leadership, teamwork, and organizational health and consulting with executives and their teams. Prior to founding the firm in 1997, Pat worked at Bain & Company, Oracle Corporation and Sybase. In his second appearance on the Elevate Podcast, Patrick returned to the show to discuss the role company leaders should play in sociopolitical issues, how to set proper expectations with employees and customers about where a company stands on social issues, and why leaning on values is as crucial as ever in leadership today. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: shopify.com/elevate Masterclass: masterclass.com/elevate Framer: framer.com/elevate Northwest Registered Agent: northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate Whatnot: Search "Whatnot" in the app store to download Indeed: indeed.com/elevate
How can you identify what naturally gives your child energy and joy?In episode 119 Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore how the Working Genius model can help you better understand, affirm, and guide your children. They explain why trying to make children more well-rounded can unintentionally suppress the qualities that make them unique. You will learn how curiosity, affirmation, and awareness of your own wiring can help your children feel seen and become more confident in who they are.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Parenting as a Leadership RolePatrick explains why understanding a child's Working Genius can help parents affirm natural instincts instead of treating them like problems.Patrick and Cody frame the family as an important organization that deserves the same intentional leadership and development often reserved for the workplace.(04:06) Discovering How Your Child Is WiredParents can begin identifying a child's genius by observing what gives them energy, what frustrates them, and what they naturally choose to do.Cody encourages parents to lead with curiosity rather than assuming their role is to straighten out or reshape a child's natural tendencies.(07:28) Affirming Features Instead of Fixing FlawsPatrick and Cody give examples of how parents can affirm children with Wonder, Galvanizing, Discernment, and Invention.They explain how seemingly harmless corrections can communicate that a child's deepest instincts are defects that need to be suppressed.(11:46) Letting Children Use Their GiftsThe hosts examine how Enablement and Tenacity can be misunderstood when parents prioritize independence, relaxation, or conventional ideas of balance.Affirming a child's genius creates the trust needed to guide them when they overuse a strength without making them feel ashamed of it.(15:22) How a Parent's Genius Shapes the HomeParents can reduce guilt and judgment by recognizing how their own geniuses and frustrations influence the way they lead and respond to their children.Sharing strengths and limitations with children teaches them that nobody is good at everything and frees them to pursue careers aligned with their own gifts.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Why might physical work become more valuable as AI advances?Physical, hands-on work may be entering a new era of relevance as artificial intelligence changes the future of desk-based careers. In episode 274 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore how tangible work can provide economic stability, human connection, visible accomplishment, and opportunities for personal development. They also challenge leaders and parents to consider whether efficiency should always take priority over the dignity, growth, and satisfaction that meaningful work can provide.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Physical Work Is Becoming Cool AgainPat introduces the growing appeal of physical, present, and tangible work as artificial intelligence begins replacing more computer-based tasks.Pat and Cody examine how previous generations encouraged young people to pursue white-collar careers rather than jobs involving physical skill or direct service.(03:40) The Unexpected Value of a Tree ServicePat shares the story of Rocky Hernandez, who built a successful tree-service business after coming to the United States without a formal education.Rocky's son may discover that taking over and expanding the family business offers more opportunity and security than remaining in a high-tech career.(07:17) The Satisfaction of Visible ResultsCody explains how physical work changes people by requiring them to do difficult things and experience the concrete results of their effort.Pat broadens the definition of physical work to include teaching, childcare, restaurants, healthcare, customer service, and other careers built around human presence.(11:36) Work, Entrepreneurship, and Human DignityCody contrasts an automated lawnmower with a 13-year-old neighbor who started a lawn-care business to earn money for a ski pass.Pat and Cody discuss why decisions about automation are also moral decisions involving personal growth, opportunity, dignity, and the kind of people work helps create.(15:03) Learning Differently and Building Something RealPat considers how technology companies can preserve physical, customer-facing work while artificial intelligence reduces the need for certain technical roles.Pat and Cody predict changes in higher education and encourage families to recognize the practical wisdom of careers that produce tangible, visible results.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://tablegroup.me/apple Spotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfy YouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtube Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Who makes you feel completely understood in the way you work?Spending time with people who share your Working Genius types can give you energy, joy, and the relief of feeling fully understood. In episode 118 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explain why these pressure-free interactions act like a “personality spa,” allowing you to enjoy your natural gifts without needing to produce a result. They also offer practical ideas for finding your people and creating restorative experiences at work, at home, and in your friendships.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) The Relief of Being UnderstoodPat introduces the idea that Working Genius diversity is valuable, but occasionally being around people with the same genius types can be deeply restorative.Cody explains that recharging does not always require unplugging from everything because people can regain energy by plugging into the right relationships and activities.(03:09) Using Your Genius Without PressurePat and Cody describe how shared Discernment allows them to evaluate movies, sports, rules, and ideas simply for the enjoyment of thinking together.They explain that a “personality spa” creates permission to play with a genius without being responsible for executing the ideas that emerge.(06:33) Building Your Own Genius PlaydatePat describes the freedom people experience when they spend time with someone who shares both of their geniuses and does not require them to edit themselves.Cody shares his idea for a “minnow tank,” where entrepreneurs could bring half-formed ideas for others to discern and galvanize without the pressure of a formal business pitch.(09:44) Feeling Seen at Work and HomePat imagines companies creating lunches for employees with matching Working Genius combinations so they can share experiences, feel understood, and positively commiserate.Cody and Pat discuss how shared genius types can create connection in friendships, marriages, and families while still producing potential blind spots.(12:24) A New Way to Recover From BurnoutCody explains that burnout often comes from the type of work a person is doing rather than simply the amount, making genius-aligned conversations a meaningful source of renewal.Pat and Cody encourage people to find a Working Genius doppelganger, schedule a pressure-free “spa date,” and share what they discover from the experience.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful.Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/aboutSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/appleSpotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfyYouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgytBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Why can two people leave the same meeting with completely different understandings?A newcomer's perspective reveals something experienced professionals often forget: work is far messier and less logical than it appears from the outside. In episode 273 of At The Table, Pat and Cody examine how fear, nonverbal communication, personality differences, and unspoken assumptions cause even healthy teams to misunderstand one another. They also explain how stronger meeting discipline, good intentions, and greater grace can help organizations navigate that messiness and move in the same direction.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) A Newcomer's View of WorkPat shares a surprising observation from his son Michael's first summer working in an office environment.Michael notices that people can understand their jobs and speak the same language while still missing the deeper meaning behind one another's words.(04:31) Why Alignment Is So DifficultPat and Cody discuss why even successful companies are filled with the complications and misunderstandings that come with being human.Organizational health can become a significant competitive advantage, but getting everyone to row in the same direction requires more than frameworks and good intentions.(09:15) Fear and the Things People Do Not SayElectronic communication makes misunderstandings more likely, but even face-to-face conversations leave important meaning unspoken.Employees may withhold concerns because they fear appearing negative, losing relational capital, or being viewed as poor team players.(13:49) Building Clarity Before the Meeting EndsTeams can improve alignment by reviewing what they discussed, what they decided, and what needs to be communicated outside the room.Even disciplined teams should assume that some percentage of the apparent clarity in a meeting may be incomplete or misunderstood.(18:14) Grace, Good Intentions, and Healthy OrganizationsPersonality differences can cause people to interpret the same words literally, generally, or metaphorically, creating frustration even among people who trust one another.Healthy organizations acknowledge the messiness of work while hiring humble, hungry, and smart people who can assume the best and work through misunderstandings.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://tablegroup.me/appleSpotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfyYouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
What if the thing that frustrates you most about your spouse is actually part of how they are wired?In episode 117 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson bring their wives, Laura Lencioni and Lindsay Thompson, back into the conversation to answer more questions about applying Working Genius to marriage. Together, they share how the model helps couples avoid judgment, release guilt, clarify roles, and better understand the ways each spouse naturally contributes at home. Through stories about tenacity, galvanizing, parenting, household planning, and family dynamics, they show how Working Genius can bring freedom, compassion, and practical clarity to marriage.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Working Genius Belongs In MarriagePat explains how the fundamental attribution error can cause spouses to misread each other's behavior as disrespectful or selfish.Cody introduces the follow-up conversation from the marriage webinar with Laura Lencioni and Lindsay Thompson.(06:03) Guilt, Judgment, And Household ExpectationsLindsay shares how understanding Cody's lack of tenacity helped her stop expecting him to contribute in the same way her father did.Laura explains how not having tenacity created guilt and shame until Working Genius gave her a better way to understand herself.(12:03) Opposite Geniuses And Shared ResponsibilitiesThe group discusses how couples with different geniuses can become highly complementary when they appreciate each other's strengths.Cody and Lindsay explain how a family meeting conflict became clearer when they realized it required galvanizing, not just scheduling.(18:14) Disruptive Geniuses, Outsourcing, And Family DynamicsPat, Laura, Cody, and Lindsay explore what couples should watch for when both spouses have disruptive geniuses.The conversation highlights how couples can outsource missing geniuses or borrow help from friends and family members with different strengths.(24:12) Compassion, Parenting, And Final EncouragementPat explains that geniuses do not change over time, but people may finally learn to recognize and appreciate them.Laura and Lindsay encourage couples to examine preconceived roles, appreciate each other's gifts, and let Working Genius bring freedom into daily family life.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
What happens when your business starts treating profit as the goal instead of the indicator?In episode 272 of At The Table, Pat and Cody challenge one of the most common assumptions in business: that maximizing profit should be the goal. They argue that profit is essential, but when leaders treat it as a company's purpose, they risk harming customers, employees, products, and culture. Leaders are invited to decide what is enough, invest in what matters, and build organizations that create value beyond the bottom line.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) The Assumption Behind ProfitPat introduces the problem with assuming that maximizing profit is the goal of business.Cody points out how natural that assumption feels, even for people who have never studied business formally.(03:00) Winning Without Running Up the ScorePat compares business to football, explaining that the goal is to win, not to score as many points as possible.Cody expands the analogy by explaining why eliminating competition can hurt innovation, customers, and the overall game.(07:27) Value Beyond the SpreadsheetCody distinguishes between maximizing profit and creating value for customers, employees, and the broader organization.Pat explains why some business decisions, like giving away bread at a restaurant, may create long-term value even if they do not show up neatly on a spreadsheet.(10:29) The Damage of Extracting Too MuchPat describes how companies can burn goodwill with customers when they constantly squeeze them for more revenue.Cody and Pat discuss planned obsolescence, AI, and the danger of replacing human value with decisions driven only by financial gain.(15:48) Purpose, Ownership, and EnoughPat connects the conversation to The Advantage and the importance of knowing why a business exists.Pat and Cody explain how The Table Group has chosen longevity, peace, and a healthy work experience over chasing maximum growth and profit.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://tablegroup.me/appleSpotify: https://tablegroup.me/sptfyYouTube: https://tablegroup.me/youtubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://workinggenius.me/apple), Spotify (https://workinggenius.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://workinggenius.me/wgyt).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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 clarity, energy, and effectiveness.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Why Working Genius Helps Employees Feel SeenPatrick explains that when managers listen to employees describe their Working Genius results, employees often feel deeply known and understood.Cody introduces the episode's focus: five practical tips for managers who want to make Working Genius more useful in real conversations.(01:55) Let Employees Digest and Describe Their ResultsPatrick says managers should first give employees 15 to 20 minutes to read and absorb their Working Genius report before discussing it.The first step is to let employees go first by describing what resonates, what surprised them, and how they understand their own geniuses and frustrations.(06:02) Build Trust Through Frustrations and Job ImplicationsPatrick and Cody explain how talking about working frustrations can create vulnerability without making employees feel defective or criticized.They encourage managers to ask how the employee's results show up in their actual work, including projects that energized them or drained them.(10:41) Use Working Genius to Create the Right ContextPatrick explains that Working Genius does not need to feel like pigeonholing because employees often want to be understood and placed in the right role.Managers can deepen trust by sharing their own Working Genius results and inviting employees to reflect on how those geniuses and frustrations show up in the manager's leadership.(15:03) Brainstorm Adjustments and Keep the Conversation GoingPatrick encourages managers and employees to brainstorm how the employee can lean more into their geniuses and reduce unnecessary frustration.Cody and Patrick emphasize the importance of follow-up conversations so Working Genius becomes an ongoing vocabulary for teamwork rather than a one-time assessment.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. Take the assessment today to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://workinggenius.me/apple Spotify: https://workinggenius.me/sptfy YouTube: https://workinggenius.me/wgyt Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://tablegroup.me/apple), Spotify (https://tablegroup.me/sptfy), and YouTube (https://tablegroup.me/youtube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
What would happen if your team was challenged to do something ridiculous on purpose?In episode 271 of At The Table, Pat, Cody, and Matthew share the story of a risky, creative experiment from The Table Group's annual consulting conference in Franklin, Tennessee. After giving teams one hour and $400 to create something ridiculous, outlandish, and loosely connected to organizational health, they watched their consultants produce original songs, recognize an ideal team player, rent an eight-foot tree, and even paint The Table Group office. The conversation reveals how time constraints, trust, risk, and freedom can unlock creativity in ways that careful planning often cannot.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) The Power Of Limited TimePat introduces the idea that limiting time can actually increase innovation, creativity, and execution.Cody explains the purpose of The Table Group's annual consulting conference and how the team wanted to create a short but meaningful offsite experience.(04:03) One Hour, $400, And A Ridiculous ChallengePat and Cody describe the challenge: teams had one hour, $400, and a goal to create the most ridiculous, creative idea possible.They reflect on how quickly the consultants moved through the Working Genius process, from wonder and invention to discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity.(05:47) Recognizing An Ideal Team PlayerOne team went to the hotel manager, taught the Ideal Team Player model, and asked her to identify someone on staff who embodied humble, hungry, and smart.The team honored the chosen employee with gifts, cake, and a standing ovation from the consultants.(08:03) Songs, Trees, And Creative ChaosAnother team found a musician at a coffee shop and paid her to write and perform an original song about The Table Group in one hour.A different team rented an eight-foot tree as a callback to the “Plant Your Friggin Tree” episode and turned it into a memorable symbol of action and urgency.(13:25) The Office Painting RiskOne team secretly entered The Table Group office and painted Matt's podcast room red with references to the Five Dysfunctions, the Advantage model, and the Ideal Team Player.Pat, Cody, and Matt reflect on how the experiment proved that trust, risk, fun, and people-centered experiences can make business conversations more effective.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniStay Connected with Cody ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.At The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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: (00:00) Why Frustrations Shouldn't Become GoalsPat explains why people should not try to become excellent at the types of work that frustrate them.He argues that mastering frustrating work takes energy away from the gifts and competencies people are actually meant to develop.(02:03) The Cost of Getting Good at What You HatePat lays out several reasons why becoming good at a frustration can backfire, including sending the wrong message to others.Cody adds that trying to compete in someone else's area of genius can create isolation instead of connection.(05:58) Pat's Personal Work AllergyPat shares how years of forcing himself into tenacity and enablement created an aversion to discipline.He compares the experience to being forced to eat vegetables constantly and then resisting them entirely later in life.(08:34) Burnout, Exposure, and AversionCody connects the idea of work allergies to allergy treatment, explaining that small exposure can be helpful but overexposure can make aversion worse.Pat uses a basketball analogy to show how being forced into an unwanted role can make someone reject even small, necessary parts of that role later.(12:01) Finding Moderation and Honoring GiftsCody notes that every job involves all six types of work, which means people will still need to do some tasks that fall outside their genius.Pat closes by encouraging listeners not to feel guilty for doing what comes naturally and to find moderation rather than overcorrecting.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniStay Connected with Cody ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
You have found ways to make your wound productive. You turned the thing that broke you into the engine that drives you — and somewhere along the way, you started calling that a superpower. You are high-functioning and deeply exhausted, achieving without arriving, performing your way through life while something underneath quietly starves. Patrick Lencioni is the founder of The Table Group and the author behind some of the most influential business books of the last twenty years, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. But this conversation goes somewhere his work rarely takes him. Patrick opens up about his own diagnosis with OCD — the fear-driven, control-seeking, maniacal cycle of obsession and compulsion — and the childhood wounds that fed it for decades before anyone named what was happening. He and Christopher go deep on the real definition of OCD, its subtypes, including scrupulosity, and the specific way anxiety disorders attach themselves to the things of God and masquerade as faith. They also walk through what the dark night of the soul actually strips from a person — and why that stripping is not punishment but surgery. And Patrick makes the case for something the culture cannot stomach: that refusing to speak truth to someone you love is not kindness. It is cruelty wearing a gentler name. If you have been performing your faith without living it, checking instead of trusting, arranging your world in exchange for a sense of safety that never quite holds, this conversation is going to name something you have been carrying for a long time. Patrick is not talking from a safe distance. He is still at work. So is Christopher. And what they both know now is that the wound does not become anything worth having until surrender has gone all the way down. That kind of surrender is not passive. It is the hardest thing a person ever does. This conversation will ask you to begin it. Guest Bio Patrick Lencioni is the founder and president of The Table Group, a firm dedicated to helping leaders build healthy organizations, and the author of 10 books on leadership and teamwork, with over 3 million copies sold worldwide. His best-known work, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, has become one of the most widely used business texts in the world, applied by organizations ranging from the Fortune 500 to the military to the local church. He lives and works out of the Franklin, Tennessee area. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters because many so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my book "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Why does trust become even more important in a world shaped by AI?In episode 270 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matthew Lencioni discuss how much the workplace has changed across generations, from voicemail lights and computer labs to AI and virtual work. While the tools, speed, and structure of work have changed dramatically, they argue that trust, teamwork, clarity, and healthy culture have not changed at all. As technology becomes more accessible and commoditized, the episode argues that organizational health may be a greater competitive advantage than ever.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Technology Changes, But Leadership Doesn'tPat introduces the idea that the fundamentals of great relationships, teams, families, and organizations have not changed, even as technology has transformed work.Pat and Cody preview the episode's core question: how much has work changed, and how much have leadership and organizational health stayed the same?(03:32) Remembering the Pre-Digital WorkplacePat describes starting work in 1987 with no email, no internet, no cell phones, and only a corded desk phone with a voicemail light.The conversation explores how slower communication, physical meetings, paper reports, and travel-heavy work shaped the way companies operated.(07:15) The Shift Into Computers, Email, and AICody reflects on his own early work experience with computer labs, Excel spreadsheets, landlines, and in-person college admissions fairs.Pat and Cody discuss how quickly technology has accelerated, especially as AI now allows people to do work that once required specialized technical knowledge.(11:21) Why Organizational Health Matters More NowPat explains that dysfunction used to spread more slowly, but today, technology can magnify unhealthy behavior more quickly.The conversation turns to culture, trust, leadership, and teamwork as increasingly important differentiators in a world where products and information are easier to copy.(16:06) The Future Hunger for Human ConnectionCody and Pat discuss how trust, nonverbal communication, healthy conflict, and interpersonal connection remain essential even in a virtual and technology-driven workplace.Matthew Lencioni joins the conversation to share his perspective on work, generational differences, and why in-person connection still matters.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniStay Connected with Cody ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.At The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Divide The Work, Not The TeamPat argues that “divide and conquer” should mean dividing tasks based on talent, not dividing the organization or accountability.How teams work best when they share a single goal and draw on different talents to pursue it together.(02:08) Why Every CEO Is DifferentPat explains that every CEO brings a different combination of personality, wiring, and Working Genius to the role.Cody points out that people often ask for the best Working Genius type for a leader, but the real answer is self-awareness.(06:43) Hiring Around Your GapsPat explains that leaders should hire executives and team members who complement their natural strengths rather than duplicate them.Cody and Pat discuss how titles like CEO, COO, and CMO can become too generic if they ignore the specific way each person contributes.(11:26) Collective Accountability Over SilosPat says titles may be useful externally, but internally, teams should focus more on how people's talents help the organization win together.Cody connects this idea to team number one, explaining that Working Genius helps executive teams move beyond self-protection and into shared responsibility.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniStay Connected with Cody ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
What important message have you stopped repeating because you assumed people already knew it?In episode 269 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson make the case that people need reminders more than they need brand-new information. They explain why leaders often undercommunicate the most important things: they are afraid of sounding repetitive, annoying, or insulting. Through examples from work, church, family, and everyday life, they challenge listeners to stop assuming people remember and start repeating what matters.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Reminders MatterPat introduces the idea that people often fail to say important things because they assume others already know or remember them.Cody connects the topic to the broader need for reminders in work, leadership, strategy, church, and family life.(03:19) Returning To The BasicsPat explains that much of his work with leaders involves reminding them of simple truths they already knew but stopped applying.Cody points out that teams often chase new, sophisticated ideas rather than revisiting the foundational principles that provide clarity.(07:57) Leaders As Chief Reminding OfficersPat describes the CEO, parent, priest, and manager as “chief reminding officers” whose job is to transfer understanding, not entertain themselves.Cody shares how repeated stories and clarity questions help a team internalize values until they become part of decision-making.(12:09) Repetition At Home And WorkCody reflects on how repeated family traditions and repeated words of love create lasting memories and emotional certainty.Pat explains that appreciation, love, and organizational clarity should be repeated even when people seem to already know them.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageSubscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniStay Connected with Cody ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.At The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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 connection.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why Asking For Help MattersPat introduces the idea that people should not double down on work that drains them.Cody and Pat explain why “Ask For Help” may be simple, but it is a deeply important topic.(03:52) One Person's Frustration Is Another Person's PartyCody explains how people often assume that work that drains them must drain everyone else.Pat shares how asking someone for help can affirm their gifts rather than burden them.(07:12) Connection, Vulnerability, And Working GeniusPat connects Working Genius to the idea that people are meant to fill in each other's gaps.Cody and Pat discuss how refusing to ask for help can keep others from feeling useful and valued.(11:49) Asking For Help In MarriagePat explains how Working Genius can help spouses understand each other instead of misreading each other.Cody shares how his wife's tenacity helped relieve stress around family finances.(15:28) Shame, Weakness, And Practical Next StepsPat and Cody name the main reasons people resist asking for help: fear of burdening others, vulnerability, and shame.Pat encourages people to look at their Working Genius gaps with their spouse or community and ask for support where they need it most.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
How can you design an offsite that your team actually values?Most offsites fail because they are either too loose to be productive or too rigid to be meaningful. In episode 268 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody break down what made their most recent offsite the best in decades. They reveal why the right mix of structure, vulnerability, and flexibility can transform an offsite into a powerful catalyst for alignment and trust.Topics explored in this episode: (00:03) Why Offsites Get a Bad ReputationOffsites often fail because they mix too many meeting types into one session.Many teams dread them due to wasted time and lack of meaningful outcomes.(02:23) The Stakes of a Great OffsitePulling people away from work and family raises the bar for value.A successful offsite must create alignment, trust, and forward momentum.(07:38) Designing with Flexibility, Not PerfectionLeaders chose a few key topics but intentionally left space in the agenda.Real value comes from adapting to what's happening in the room.(12:10) Creating Trust Through Real ConversationsSimple exercises like sharing emotions can unlock deeper vulnerability.Organic discussions—not presentations—lead to better decisions and engagement.(25:10) Blending Work, Fun, and MeaningSocial activities work best when lightly connected to the team and mission.The goal is for people to leave feeling known, aligned, and energized.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Are you leading your business… or slowly becoming the bottleneck holding it back? Why do so many healthcare entrepreneurs end up exhausted, resentful, and trapped inside practices they built themselves? In this episode, Dr. Lauryn sits down with leadership expert and author Jim Brown to unpack the hidden leadership patterns that quietly destroy culture, momentum, and fulfillment inside growing businesses.Together, they discuss the dangers of “hero leadership,” why perfectionism and control create disengaged teams, and how collaborative cultures are intentionally built. Jim breaks down the four stages of organizational health, including leadership accountability, strategic momentum, and talent magnetism. Lauryn also shares her own evolution as a clinic owner, learning how to stop leading every conversation and start empowering her team to think, solve problems, and lead alongside her.Key TakeawaysStrong leadership culture requires collaboration, vulnerability, and accountability—not control, perfectionism, or micromanagement.Business growth happens faster when CEOs stop being the bottleneck and start empowering high-performing teams.Strategic momentum is built through realistic goals, team ownership, and consistent wins that create confidence and trust.Healthy workplace culture attracts top talent naturally, reducing turnover and creating long-term organizational growth.About the GuestJim Brown is the founder and CEO of OrgHealth and a former consulting partner with Patrick Lencioni's Table Group. For more than 30 years, he has helped executive teams and boards build healthier, high-performing organizations through leadership development and culture transformation. Jim is the bestselling author of The Imperfect Board Member and the upcoming book The Imperfect CEO, which focuses on helping leaders replace avoidance, control, and perfectionism with healthier, more sustainable leadership practices.Follow Jim on LinkedIn and preorder his book, The Imperfect CEOResources:Follow Dr. Lauryn: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInFollow She Slays on YouTubeMentioned in this episode:Holistic Marketing HubHolistic Marketing HubTo learn more about CLA and the INSiGHT scanner go to the link below and enter code SHESLAYS when prompted.CLA
Rebecca Hinds, researcher, organizational designer, and author of Your Best Meeting Ever joins the Alan Briggs for a conversation that is long overdue in most, if not all organizations. Alan has threatened to write a book about meetings for years. He no longer has to. Why? Rebecca wrote it. After 15 years studying how humans communicate and coordinate at work, Rebecca brings both the research and the practical frameworks to help leaders stop letting meetings kill their culture — and start designing them as the powerful, expensive tool they actually are. If you've ever sat in a meeting wondering why you're there, or felt the creeping guilt of a calendar so packed with meetings that the real work gets squeezed into the margins, this one is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why we keep having bad meetings even when we know they're not working — and the visibility bias that drives the cycle What "calendar carnage" is and why it's not just a scheduling problem — it's a fundamental communication problem Meeting Doomsday — the 48-hour calendar cleanse that forces every recurring meeting to earn its spot back Why AI is making meetings worse, not better — and the specific behaviors Rebecca is watching with alarm The danger of sending your AI bot to a meeting instead of showing up yourself — and what it signals to your team Why brainstorming is one of the most overrated meeting types — and what the research says actually produces better ideas The four dimensions of meeting minimalism: length, cadence, attendees, and agenda items Parkinson's Law and why your 30-minute meeting will always take 30 minutes — and how the rule of halves fixes it How to convert every agenda item into a verb and noun combination — and why it changes everything The one meeting most organizations are cutting that they absolutely should not be: the manager one-on-one The question great leaders are asking about AI right now — and why it's not "what can I automate?" What Rebecca hopes meetings look like five years from now — and the mindset shift that gets us there Reflection Questions: If every recurring meeting on your calendar had to earn its spot back tomorrow, which ones would survive? Are you designing your meetings for yourself as the organizer — or for the people in the room? What would you do with your time if your meetings were cut in half — and is that answer worth fighting for? Resources Mentioned: Your Best Meeting Ever — Rebecca Hinds (available wherever books are sold) Working Genius Assessment — Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group (referenced by Alan) Marco Polo — async video tool used by the H2 team H2 Leadership Coaching — h2leadership.com Want more? Visit h2leadership.com for coaching, resources, and tools to help you lead well.
What if you could understand how someone approaches their work before you ever put them in a seat - and use that understanding to build stronger teams, reduce turnover, and make your toughest conversations more productive? Alysa Medina, Senior VP of People Operations at Painters USA, has done exactly that using the Working Genius framework. Today she walks us through how she's integrated it into hiring, onboarding, coaching, and daily leadership… and the remarkable results that followed, including dropping field turnover from 70% to 30–35%To learn more about Working Genius from Patrick Lencioni & The Table Group, visit https://www.workinggenius.com/
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 joyful and engaged team.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Why fun at work mattersFun at work is often misunderstood as perks rather than meaningful engagement.Working in your genius makes time feel faster and work more enjoyable.(03:02) How Working Genius shapes enjoymentTeams naturally enjoy work more when roles align with strengths.Misalignment leads to frustration and removes the sense of fun.(06:16) The problem with surface-level funCompanies often try to add fun outside of work instead of within it.True engagement comes from making the work itself energizing.(10:25) Why activities feel fun to some but not othersThe same activity can feel energizing or painful depending on the person.Working Genius explains why people experience identical tasks differently.(15:48) Designing teams around energy and strengthsTeams perform better when work is divided based on what energizes individuals.Leaders should prioritize alignment over rigid job descriptions.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Register for “Why Your Spouse Acts That Way” here: workinggenius.com/marriageThe Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
How can you tell if your company has a strong culture or just generic values?Most companies don't struggle with being cult-like; they struggle with having any real culture at all. In this episode, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson break down the critical differences between strong cultures and actual cult behavior, highlighting why clarity and conviction matter. You'll learn why great organizations embrace distinct values, even if it means not being the right fit for everyone.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00:00) Defining Culture vs. CultCulture is built on shared beliefs, customs, and behaviors within a group.A cult involves coercion, isolation, or dangerous practices, not just strong values.(00:03:54) Why Most Companies Lack Real CultureMany organizations operate with generic or weak cultural identities.Strong cultures naturally repel people who don't align, and that's healthy.(00:08:24) The Role of Choice vs. CoercionHealthy cultures invite people to opt in rather than forcing conformity.The difference lies in whether behaviors are celebrated or enforced.(00:13:07) Core Values vs. Generic ValuesReal core values require sacrifice and clear differentiation.Generic values like “integrity” often fail unless deeply defined and lived out.(00:22:16) Culture Fit, Growth, and Personal AlignmentStrong cultures help people grow without forcing them to change who they are.Misalignment doesn't mean rejection; it simply means the fit isn't right.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
How is a lack of self-awareness quietly limiting your effectiveness?Blind spots aren't just personal quirks; they're often the root of frustration, conflict, and stalled growth. In episode 111 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matthew Lencioni explore how the Working Genius framework can expose what you can't see about yourself. By increasing self-awareness and inviting honest feedback, you can turn hidden liabilities into opportunities for trust and growth.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00:00) Why Blind Spots MatterA lack of self-awareness creates friction in relationships and at work.People extend grace more easily when someone acknowledges their flaws.(00:03:12) Understanding the Johari WindowThe blind spot quadrant represents what others see, but you don't.Reducing this quadrant is critical for growth and effectiveness.(00:06:40) When You Think You're Good at EverythingBelieving you have no weaknesses creates frustration for others.Mislabeling frustrations as strengths leads to burnout and poor collaboration.(00:10:33) The Power of Naming Your WeaknessesSelf-awareness builds trust and invites support from others.Denial pushes feedback away and isolates you from help.(00:15:26) Giving and Receiving Hard FeedbackHonest feedback is a gift, even when it's uncomfortable.Tools like Working Genius make difficult conversations easier and safer.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Leadership expert Patrick Lencioni spent nearly 20 years feeling drained and frustrated at work, despite loving his job and the people around him. As the CEO of his own firm, he was constantly pulled into tasks that fell outside his natural strengths, with no clear understanding of why it was killing his productivity and energy. That frustration led him to create the Working Genius framework, transforming how leaders and entrepreneurs approach team building. In this episode, Patrick breaks down the six working geniuses to help you build teams where people find genuine fulfillment at work. In this episode, Hala and Patrick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:18) The Origin Story of Working Genius (04:19) Finding Joy and Energy at Work (08:05) Defining the Six Working Geniuses (20:51) Applying Working Genius to Entrepreneurship (30:51) How to Apply Your Assessment Results (35:18) Doing Work You Don't Enjoy (38:32) Working Genius Assessment vs. Personality Traits (50:18) The Three Stages of Teamwork (59:02) Using Working Genius for Better Hiring (01:03:56) Identifying and Fixing Team Genius Gaps (01:15:33) Tips for Running Better Meetings (01:22:35) Daily Habits for Personal Success Patrick Lencioni is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Table Group, specializing in organizational health and leadership. He has spent over 25 years helping leaders build high-performing teams and improve workplace culture. Patrick is the author of multiple business classics, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Six Types of Working Genius. His work has impacted millions of leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. Sponsored By: Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting Experian - Manage and cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reduce your bills. Get started now with the Experian App and let your Big Financial Friend do the work for you. See experian.com for details. Intuit - Start paying bills the smart way, not the hard way. Learn more at QuickBooks.com/billpay AT&T Business - Power your small business with reliable connectivity from AT&T. Switch today at business.att.com. Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors' appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING Blinkist - Turn the world's best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting Resources Mentioned: Patrick's Book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: bit.ly/-TFDOAT Patrick's Book, Death by Meeting: bit.ly/PL-DBM Patrick's Book, The 6 Types of Working Genius: bit.ly/T6TOWG Patrick's Book, The Ideal Team Player: bit.ly/PL-TITP Patricks' Company: The Table Group: tablegroup.com Working Genius Assessment: workinggenius.com/profiting YAP E394 with Patrick Lencioni: Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Networking, Goal Setting, Time Management, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Leadership Skills, Strategic Planning
Noticing signs of burnout on your team? You could have the right people, just in the wrong roles. Teams work best when they're structured around each person's unique wiring. Understanding your own wiring, what each role requires and how your team's strengths fit together can help you lead and work in a way that is more effective, fulfilling and sustainable. In this episode, Amy and Sean sit down with Cody Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at The Table Group, to talk about how Working Genius can help your staff avoid burnout and serve in the way God has wired them. What is Working Genius? How to tell if someone is in the right role or the wrong role Burnout patterns that show up when people work outside their natural strengths How to build a team with a healthy mix of strengths IMPORTANT NOTE FOR OUR UNSTUCK PODCAST LISTENERS: We are sad to have share that Amy experienced a brain bleed last week that caused her to have a stroke. She is recovering, and we are sharing updates here. We recorded this episode prior and made the decision with her husband Jason to move forward with releasing this conversation. Thank you for your prayers for Amy and her family as she heals. This Episode is Sponsored by PlainJoe Studios: Unlock the power of story in your worship space. The creative, passionate team at PlainJoe, a Storyland Studio, works with churches to create beautiful, engaging spaces that connect with your community. They're a team of architectural, design, and branding experts who transform worship spaces into attractive, engaging hubs for the community. Reach out to their team at plainjoestudios.com and dream up the bright future of your church. Join the Conversation on Social Media We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X and on Instagram.
How do you know if someone truly belongs on your team?In episode 266 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson review the surprising origin of The Ideal Team Player and why its simple framework continues to resonate years later. You'll learn how the combination of humility, hunger, and smarts defines great team members—and what happens when one is missing. You'll walk away with practical ways to hire better, develop your people, and build a stronger, healthier team culture.Topics explored in this episode:(00:02:23) Origins of Humble, Hungry, SmartPat explains how the three values emerged from real-world leadership experience.The framework gained traction as clients recognized its universal relevance.(00:07:24) Why the Model Works So PowerfullyThe simplicity of the framework makes it easy to apply immediately in teams.The combination of all three traits, not just one, is what drives true effectiveness.(00:11:14) Breaking Down the Three TraitsHumility, hunger, and smarts are defined with practical examples.The discussion highlights common misunderstandings, especially around “smart.”(00:21:55) The Dangers of Missing One TraitThe team explains the “accidental mess-maker,” “lovable slacker,” and “skillful politician.”Each type shows how the absence of a single virtue can damage team health over time.Get “The Ideal Team Player” today!Take The Ideal Team Player Assessment hereThis episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
With over 25 years of experience working with leadership teams, Patrick Lencioni has seen successful companies crumble; not because of strategy, but due to poor organizational health. Behind the success were team members who were afraid to open up, make mistakes, or disagree. This insight led Patrick to dedicate his career to creating frameworks that help entrepreneurs and leaders build healthy teams. In this episode, Patrick breaks down the five dysfunctions of a team and shows how embracing healthy conflict can foster trust, boost productivity, and improve decision-making. In this episode, Hala and Patrick will discuss: (00:00) Introduction(03:52) What Is Organizational Health?(09:24) Healthy vs. Unhealthy Team Culture(17:20) The Five Dysfunctions of a Team(23:57) The Power of Peer Accountability at the Workplace(26:50) Diagnosing Dysfunctions with Real Scenarios(41:41) How to Run Effective Team Meetings(54:55) How Working Genius Improves Productivity(01:06:51) The Truth About Entrepreneurship and Success Patrick Lencioni is a founder of The Table Group and a pioneer of the organizational health movement. He is the author of 13 books, which have sold over 8 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages. Patrick has spent over 25 years helping organizations and leaders improve their team dynamics, decision-making, and productivity. Sponsored By: Huel - Get over $50 in savings with the Discovery Bundle from Huel. Use my exclusive code YAP15 for 15% off at huel.com/yap15. Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/profiting Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting. Quo - Run your business communications the smart way. Try Quo for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/profiting Experian - Manage and cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reduce your bills. Get started now with the Experian App and let your Big Financial Friend do the work for you. See experian.com for details. Intuit - Start paying bills the smart way, not the hard way. Learn more at QuickBooks.com/billpay AT&T Business - Power your small business with reliable connectivity from AT&T. Switch today at business.att.com. Fabric - Protect your family with term life insurance from Fabric by Gerber Life. Apply today in just minutes at meetfabric.com/profiting ZocDoc - Stop putting off those doctors' appointments. Find and instantly book a doctor you love today at Zocdoc.com/PROFITING Blinkist - Turn the world's best nonfiction books into quick 15-minute reads or listens. Grab your free trial plus an exclusive 30% discount at blinkist.com/profiting Resources Mentioned: Patrick's Book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: bit.ly/-TFDOAT Patrick's Book, Death by Meeting: bit.ly/PL-DBM Patrick's Book, The 6 Types of Working Genius: bit.ly/T6TOWG Working Genius Assessment: workinggenius.com/profiting Patrick's Instagram: instagram.com/patricklencioniofficial/ YAP E305 with Patrick Lencioni: youngandprofiting.co/PL-E305 YAP E306 with Patrick Lencioni: youngandprofiting.co/PL-E306 Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Networking, Goal Setting, Time Management, Problem Solving, Leadership Skills, Strategic Planning
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 Lynch 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 compassionate framework for extending grace to teammates in the grip, recognizing that what looks like a flaw may simply be a strength operating under too much pressure.Topics explored in this episode: Pat, Cody, and Matt introduce "in the grip" — what each Working Genius type looks like when strengths become distorted under stress.The team explores the Wonder type, revealing how natural curiosity can spiral into analysis paralysis, endless questioning, and loss of direction.(00:00:03) Wonder in the GripPat, Cody, and Matt introduce "in the grip,” what each Working Genius type looks like when strengths become distorted under stress.The team explores the Wonder type, revealing how natural curiosity can spiral into analysis paralysis, endless questioning, and loss of direction.(00:05:15) ADHD, Procrastination, and Invention in the GripPat connects Wonder under stress to procrastination and ADHD misdiagnosis.The team turns to Invention, describing how the drive to generate ideas becomes chaotic under stress.(00:09:46) Discernment and Galvanizing Under PressureThe group unpacks Discernment in the grip, how the healthy instinct to evaluate ideas can tip into hypercriticism, cynicism, and judgment under stress.They move to Galvanizing, exploring how the drive to inspire movement can turn into pushiness and impatience when stress takes hold.(00:15:41) Enablement and Tenacity When UnregulatedThe team explores Enablement in the grip, how the instinct to help can lead to overcommitment, exhaustion, and quiet resentment when the enabler's own needs go unmet.They turn to Tenacity, noting how discipline and follow-through can slide into rigidity, isolation, and frustration with those perceived as lazy or uncommitted.(00:20:28) Applying This to Teams, Pairings, and ClosingPat, Cody, and Matt explore how genius pairs stop working together under stress, and how leaders can use this framework to start grace-filled conversations with struggling team members.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
How would your team's culture shift if you started catching people doing their jobs well and celebrating those moments publicly?In episode 265 of At The Table, Pat Lencioni and Cody Thompson revisit Pat's book The Truth About Employee Engagement, arguing its lessons are crucial now. They unpack the three root causes of employee misery - anonymity, irrelevance, and immeasurement - and show how any manager can improve work experience by addressing these human needs. Through stories and takeaways, they emphasize that making employees feel known, valued, and empowered to measure success requires only intentional, consistent attention.Topics explored in this episode: (00:06:46) Why the Solution Works EverywhereCody reflects on how remarkable it is that the book's solution applies equally to an airport fast-food worker and a Fortune 100 executive.Pat introduces the first sign of a miserable job, anonymity, explaining that employees who feel unseen and unknown by their managers simply cannot love coming to work, no matter how much they earn.(00:12:25) Retention, Counterculture & Practical AdvicePat and Cody discuss how knowing employees personally is a powerful and often overlooked retention strategy, noting that people rarely leave workplaces where they feel genuinely cared for as human beings.Why leaders should be vulnerable, admit the lapse openly, and invite employees to “catch you up” on their lives, then share what's going on in your own.(00:16:42) Why Every Job Must Matter to SomeonePat introduces the second sign of a miserable job, irrelevance, and illustrates it vividly by describing how a manager at the airport restaurant could tell that young employee his real purpose: to introduce a moment of joy and kindness into otherwise stressed travelers' days.Cody and Pat agree that the manager's responsibility is not only to articulate why a job matters, but to actively “catch” employees making a difference and celebrate those moments, because what gets celebrated gets repeated.(00:23:25) Immeasurement, the One-Minute Manager Demo & ClosingPat introduces the third sign, immeasurement, arguing that every employee needs a way to assess their own performance that doesn't depend solely on a manager's subjective opinion.Pat is challenging listeners to immediately improve in one area of knowing their people, reminding them why their work matters, and helping them measure their success.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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 Table Group, he helps translate big ideas into practical applications, while also keeping Patrick and Cody honest when their theories start getting a little too comfortable.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00:33) Can a company have a genius?Patrick introduces the idea that organizations may have dominant Working Genius pairings just like individuals do.Cody explains that company culture and customer experience often make those pairings visible to employees and customers alike.(00:05:44) Comparing big brandsPatrick and Cody compare In N Out and Chick fil A to show how similar companies can operate from very different genius pairings.They argue that In N Out reflects efficient service and execution, while Chick fil A leans more heavily into encouragement and relational energy.(00:10:40) Starbucks, Shark Tank, and the role of discernmentPatrick and Cody examine Starbucks as a company shaped by discernment and tenacity through curation and operational consistency.They also debate Shark Tank's pairing and conclude that its format centers on evaluating opportunities and driving action.(00:16:57) What WI companies struggle to doThe discussion shifts to wonder and invention, with Patrick and Cody noting that WI organizations may generate brilliant ideas without carrying them into activation or implementation.They caution that employees with strong WI may need the right environment or the right role to feel fully used and energized.(00:22:09) Founders, company bias, and practical implicationsPatrick and Cody discuss how a founder's genius can shape a company's culture, using Dave Ramsey and The Table Group as examples.Patrick closes by warning leaders not to push out employees with different geniuses, since companies need a fuller range of strengths than their dominant pairing alone provides.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniStay Connected with Cody ThompsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
What is one behavior you repeat that may be undermining your leadership?In episode 264 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson discuss how leaders can grow by identifying habits such as interrupting others, avoiding conflict, or deflecting discomfort with humor. Leadership advice often focuses on adding new tools, strategies, and frameworks, but sometimes the most powerful improvement comes from stopping a behavior that undermines your team. By practicing “addition by subtraction,” leaders can create healthier teams simply by removing one recurring behavior.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00:00) The Idea Of Leadership SubtractionPatrick Lencioni introduces the concept that leaders can improve by stopping behaviors rather than constantly adding new practices.The hosts frame the discussion around the Lenten tradition of giving something up and apply that idea to leadership.(00:02:11) Personal Leadership Habits That Get In The WayPatrick reflects on his tendency to interrupt others and explains how impatience and quick thinking contribute to that habit.Cody shares his own leadership tendency to use humor in uncomfortable situations and how that can sometimes derail important conversations.(00:07:56) Examples Of Leaders Who Needed To Stop A BehaviorPatrick shares stories of leaders who weakened their credibility by constantly talking about themselves or seeking affirmation.The conversation highlights how repeated behaviors can slowly erode trust within a team.(00:09:55) When Leaders Shut Down Or Ignore ConflictPatrick and Cody discuss leaders who shut down disagreements or avoid addressing uncomfortable moments during meetings.They explain how ignoring conflict or difficult conversations can damage team health and prevent productive debate.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable.Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniAt The Table with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4hJKKSLSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0YouTube: https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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 CriticismPatrick explains why feedback should be filtered through someone's Working Genius profile.He argues that without understanding how someone is wired, feedback can unintentionally come across as criticism of their identity.(00:03:09) The Fundamental Attribution ErrorPatrick and Cody explore how people often assume others' behavior is caused by character flaws rather than natural tendencies.They explain how recognizing someone's wiring can lead to more grace and better communication.(00:07:05) Feedback Through the Lens of StrengthsCody shares examples of how strengths like invention can be misunderstood as ego or disruption.Patrick explains how acknowledging strengths before giving feedback allows people to receive the message more openly.(00:09:06) Real Life Examples of Constructive FeedbackPatrick and Cody discuss examples from client work and personal relationships where feedback was delivered through the Working Genius framework.They highlight how framing feedback as a gift helps people grow without discouraging their strengths.(00:13:54) Regulating Strengths Instead of Suppressing ThemPatrick explains that strengths must sometimes be regulated depending on the situation or role.The episode closes with encouragement to use Working Genius knowledge to give feedback that builds confidence rather than shame.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe for more content from Patrick Lencioni @PatrickLencioniOfficialStay Connected with Patrick LencioniLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricklencioniofficialTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@patricklencioniofficialX: https://x.com/patricklencioniThe Working Genius Podcast with Patrick LencioniApple: https://apple.co/4iNz6YnSpotify: https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8uYouTube: https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTubeBe sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Pat Lencioni discusses how to tap into your genius to make work more fulfilling and energizing.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) How to stop feeling ashamed of your weaknesses2) The six types of working genius3) The real reason why so many professionals are burning outSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1135 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT PAT — Pat is one of the founders of The Table Group and is the pioneer of the organizational health movement. He is the author of 13 books, which have sold over 9 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages.As President of the Table Group, Pat spends his time speaking and writing about leadership, teamwork, and organizational health and consulting with executives and their teams. After more than twenty years in print, his classic book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, remains a fixture on national best-seller lists. His most recent book, The Six Types of Working Genius, was released in September 2022, and he is also the host of the popular business podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni.• Assessment: Working Genius Assessment (use code: AWESOME for 20% off)• Book: The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team• Podcast: At the Table Podcast• Podcast: The Working Genius Podcast• Website: TableGroup.com• Website: WorkingGenius.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: Be Healed by Bob Schuchts• Book: Brother Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel by Dean Koontz• Past episode: 552: The Foundational Principle that Separates Good Leaders from Bad Ones with Pat Lencioni• Past episode: 707: Amy Edmondson on How to Build Thriving Teams with Psychological Safety— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.• Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO• Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/betterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How can strategy stay intentional when planning cycles keep shrinking?In episode 263 of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson examine how the pace of change has transformed strategic planning. What once centered on five or ten-year plans now often lives within a three to six-month horizon.Rather than viewing this shift as chaotic, Patrick and Cody explain why a short-cycle strategy can be more responsible and effective. They explore how clarity of purpose and strong organizational health provide the stability needed to navigate constant change.Topics explored in this episode: (00:03:57) Why Planning Horizons Have ShrunkTechnology and the rapid flow of information have dramatically accelerated the pace of change.Businesses and industries now evolve so quickly that long-term certainty is nearly impossible.(00:07:24) Planning Without PanicA short-term strategy should not be confused with constant urgency or chaos.Leaders can use sprint-based planning and frequent reassessment to stay intentional and focused.(00:11:13) Values Replace Long-Term PredictionsClear purpose and behavioral values now anchor organizations more than long-range forecasts.Teams should focus on reaching the next base camp rather than mapping the entire journey.(00:14:08) Organizational Health Creates ResilienceStrong culture and clarity provide stability when strategies must change quickly.Healthy organizations can survive rapid shifts while competitors without strong foundations struggle.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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 DistanceThe idea of having working geniuses that sit far apart in the workflow is explained.These gaps are shown to create frustration, stress, and misunderstanding for individuals and teams.(00:03:53) The Stress of Invention to TenacityThe challenges of jumping directly from ideas to execution are explored.The importance of patience and collaboration between missing steps in the workflow is highlighted.(00:08:06) The Tension of Wonder and EnablementResponsive geniuses are examined, especially the pressure to help before asking necessary questions.Misunderstanding these patterns can lead to overwhelm, doubt, and internal conflict.(00:12:35) Practical Ways to Bridge the GapStrategies are shared for separating tasks and working within each genius more intentionally.Communication, patience, and self awareness are emphasized as tools for reducing friction and improving teamwork.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co
What are you willing to repel in order to attract the right people?In this episode of At The Table, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson challenge the idea that businesses should try to appeal to everyone. Instead, they argue for being intentionally extreme in two areas: core values and strategic anchors. When organizations are unmistakably clear about how they behave and how they succeed, they naturally repel the wrong employees and customers while attracting the right ones. Through examples like In-N-Out, Dutch Bros, Costco, and Nordstrom, they show how clarity and conviction create a stronger culture, cleaner decision-making, and more loyal teams and customers.Topics explored in this episode:(00:00) Why Great Organizations Repel the Wrong People* How strong values naturally filter out misaligned employees and customers* Why trying to include everyone weakens culture(04:11) Extreme Culture as a Competitive Advantage* How distinctive companies become “weird” on purpose* Why noticeable culture creates loyalty and differentiation(07:46) Strategic Anchors and the Power of Saying No* How a clear strategy eliminates distractions and opportunistic growth* Why discipline matters more than chasing every opportunity(11:33) Attracting the Right Customers by Design* How strong strategy repels misaligned customers* Why businesses grow faster when they stop trying to serve everyoneThis episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
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 Burnout* How some leaders carry decades of shame around their working frustrations.* Discovering your working frustrations brings freedom. (03:41) Striving Against the Grain* Shame often leads people to work harder at the wrong things for years.* Understanding wiring helps people stop swimming upstream in work and relationships.(05:47) Strengths and Weaknesses Are Linked* Viewing frustrations in isolation leads to shame, while context brings clarity.(09:29) Releasing Guilt and Embracing Design* Embracing your working frustrations without self-criticism.* Freedom comes from knowing you were never meant to be good at everything.This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Are you creating a workplace environment that feels like a cage or a park?In episode 261 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody unpack a powerful metaphor—“cocaine water”—to explain the dangers of isolation at work. Drawing from a well-known behavioral experiment that involves cages and parks, they connect addiction, loneliness, and disengagement to modern workplace culture. The conversation makes a compelling case that real connection at work fuels not only productivity but also dignity, healing, and human flourishing.Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) Embracing Humility and Vulnerability* Importance of admitting lack of understanding* Challenges in societal pressures(07:32) The Power of Simplicity* Importance of clear and understandable explanations* The impact of simplicity in business settings(14:45) Personal Accountability and Mentorship* Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through personal accountability* Role of organizational mentors in reinforcing basic principles* Parallels between personal and organizational growth(21:19) Success Through Simplicity and Discipline* Requirements for organizational success* Test of true understanding and leadershipThis episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Patrick Lencioni built a multimillion-dollar business, sold 10 million books, and became one of the most influential leadership voices in the world. But here's what you might not know: he never had a five-year plan, turned down opportunities to scale, and prioritized loving his work over maximizing revenue. In this episode, Pat shares the behind-the-scenes story of building The Table Group, why he kept his team at just 15 full-time employees while empowering thousands of consultants, and how saying no to growth actually gave him an unfair competitive advantage. You'll discover why his wife gave him their house fund to start the business, how he protects time with his family despite constant opportunities, and why one of their core values is "we want to love coming to work every day." If you're building something or thinking about starting, this conversation will completely reframe how you think about success.Use code "ATG" for 20% off the Working Genius Assessment here! Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!
How can pairing geniuses enhance the customer service experience?In episode 105 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody dive deep into the world of customer service roles and enablement. They explore how unique combinations of working geniuses, such as enablement paired with discernment or tenacity, can enhance customer interactions and improve service outcomes. By aligning strengths with job demands, being authentic about one's abilities, and providing tailored solutions to customers, individuals can excel in customer service roles and find satisfaction in their careers.Topics explored in this episode: 00:00:47 – Types of Customer Service* Great customer service depends on the right mix of working geniuses* Enablement shines when helping others feels energizing, not draining00:04:46 – Discernment and Enablement* Discernment helps decode what customers actually mean* Enablement turns confusion into clear, helpful solutions00:06:35 – Tenacity and Enablement* Tenacity makes sure no email or question gets left behind * Enablement brings the drive to serve fast, fully, and well00:11:09 – Types of Employee Geniuses* Different genius types shape how people show up at work* Customer service thrives when roles match natural strengths00:24:22 – Choosing the Right Job* The wrong role leads to burnout, even if you're good at it* The right fit makes work sustainable and satisfyingThis episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. The Six Types of Working Genius model helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. When you're able to better understand the types of work that bring you more energy and fulfillment and avoid work that leads to frustration and failure, you can be more self-aware, more productive, and more successful. The Six Types of Working Genius assessment is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://workinggenius.me/about Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
Are you creating a workplace environment that feels like a cage or a park?In episode 260 of At The Table, Patrick and Cody unpack a powerful metaphor—“cocaine water”—to explain the dangers of isolation at work. Drawing from a well-known behavioral experiment that involves cages and parks, they connect addiction, loneliness, and disengagement to modern workplace culture. The conversation makes a compelling case that real connection at work fuels not only productivity but also dignity, healing, and human flourishing.Topics explored in this episode: (01:23) The Cocaine Water Experiment * A behavioral experiment shows how isolation drives destructive choices, while community changes behavior.* The concept of a “rat park” illustrates how connection can eliminate addiction entirely.(04:08) Isolation and Remote Work* Reframing the remote-work debate as a question of human connection rather than location.(07:52) Dignity and Productivity Are Not Opposites* Connection improves results, satisfaction, and performance simultaneously.(13:54) Why Humans Need Multiple Communities* People are designed for varied relationships, not constant isolation or constant proximity.* Healthy work provides experiences worth bringing home and sharing with others.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.
If you're achieving at a high level while ignoring the health of your inner life, how can you reset?In episode 259 of At The Table, Pat and Cody explore why high achievement can be a warning sign rather than a badge of honor. They explain how leaders often use success to compensate for fear, insecurity, or unresolved personal issues. The conversation underscores that true leadership effectiveness begins with inner health long before it shows up in organizational results.Topics explored in this episode: (00:30) The Real Cost of High Achievement* High achievement often masks deeper personal wounds and unmet internal needs.* Why leaders must address their spiritual, emotional, and relational health before chasing success.(03:15) The Inner Circle of Influence* How Stephen Covey's “circle of influence” applies to a leader's need to focus first on their internal well-being.* How fear can become the engine driving unsustainable achievement.(05:35) Organizational Health Begins With Leader Health* Warning signs: neglecting physical health, spiritual life, or family relationships despite outward business success.(09:27) Pat's Personal Journey With Identity and Achievement* Pat opens up about decades spent tying his sense of worth to professional success and learning to shift toward internal wholeness.(14:25) Beware the High Achiever in Yourself and Others* Encouraging leaders to pursue hobbies imperfectly, embrace being “not the best,” and refuse to let performance define identity.This episode of At The Table with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. We teach leaders how to make work more effective and less dysfunctional. We also help their employees be more fulfilled and less miserable. At The Table is a podcast that lives at the connection between work life, leadership, organizational health, and culture. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/6NWAZzkzl4ljxX7S2xkHvu), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube). Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth, http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial, and https://x.com/patricklencioni. Be sure to check out our other podcast, The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/3raC053GF5mtkq6Y1klpRU), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube). Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.