Getting Things Done…
We have various family big birthday celebrations over this month and next, and we started with my aunt’s 80th at the weekend. It was great to get everyone together, and we were certainly excited about spending time together and catching up. It was lovely to see the pearls of wisdom being exchanged between the generations, learning happening on all sides as new initiatives and projects were being explained and were then related to previous events and experiences. Lots of old photos were brought along and shared, creating feelings of nostalgia while looking to the future with the next generation on the cusp of their exciting futures.
Having come up with the ideas and worked out what is and isn’t practical, events such as these take planning and preparation, getting people excited about coming, helping to set things up as you wish them to be, and making sure things happen as required. These events are classic examples of the six working geniuses in action, and in particular the Galvanising (G), Enablement (E) and Tenacity (T) geniuses. Ever wonder why the team isn’t getting excited about the next event, project or new initiative? Or why the event, project or initiatives aren’t getting off the ground, and don’t have support? Or why they are either never completed, or to the highest quality standards? Perhaps there isn’t enough Galvanising energy on the team, or the team needs more of the Enablement and Tenacity genius. So, before we bring the model together in a future blog, these are the final geniuses to explore in Patrick Lencioni's 6 Working Geniuses framework, as these geniuses drive individual and organisational excellence, which is why it’s important that leaders learn to plug the gaps effectively in teams.
Leaders with the Galvanising Genius, have mastered the art of inspiring and motivating others to action, igniting passion, and driving momentum towards a shared vision. Individuals with a strong Galvanising Genius possess charisma, vision, and the ability to rally people around a cause. Leaders who excel in galvanising understand the power of inspiration and persuasion in mobilising teams towards a common goal. They possess exceptional communication skills, coupled with a powerful presence that commands attention and respect. Galvanising Geniuses are adept at fostering a sense of purpose and urgency within teams, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary results. Their ability to instil confidence, enthusiasm, and a shared sense of purpose fuels collective momentum and propels organisations towards success.
The Genius of Enablement, or the ability to facilitate and support the success of others, is a valuable trait in any organisation. Individuals with this form of working genius are driven by a desire to help others achieve their goals and realise their potential. As such, enablement is the bedrock of effective leadership and teamwork, characterised by an extremely well-developed ability to empower others and foster growth. Individuals with a strong Enablement Genius possess a natural inclination towards coaching, mentorship, and creating environments where others can thrive. Leaders who excel in enablement understand the importance of investing in their team members' development, providing support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. They excel in roles where empathy, communication, and interpersonal skills are paramount, cultivating trust and creating a sense of belonging within their teams. Enablement Geniuses are not just focused on their own success but are driven by a genuine desire to see others flourish. They foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation, laying the foundation for high-performing teams and sustainable growth.
People with the Genius of Tenacity are task-oriented and love to take things across the finish line. They ensure a project is going to have the impact it’s supposed to have and lives up to agreed-upon standards. They don’t respond to the emotional appeal of the Galvanizer, but to the need to see the work completed. They get joy and energy from checking off a box on the “to do” list, and making sure everything is just as it should be. These individuals thrive in environments that demand perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to push through obstacles. They possess a remarkable ability to stay focused on their objectives and navigate setbacks and hole themselves accountable for finishing well, enjoying seeing the full impact of their solution realised in the world.
Together, Galvanising, Enablement, and Tenacity form a trio of strengths that drive personal and organisational success. By leveraging the collective power of these attributes, and indeed the WID geniuses described previously, leaders can create dynamic teams that are inspired, empowered, and resilient in the face of challenges. Recognising the presence of G, E, and T Geniuses within teams enables leaders to foster environments where individuals are motivated to excel, supported in their growth, and equipped with the resilience to overcome obstacles and get things over the finishing line, at a standard to be proud of. Encouraging collaboration between these attributes fosters a culture of innovation, excellence, and achievement in teams.
Therefore, Galvanising, Enablement, and Tenacity Geniuses are essential as they push individuals and teams towards high performance, and even greatness. By embracing their unique contributions and harnessing their collective power, leaders can unlock new possibilities, overcome challenges, and achieve extraordinary results in today's dynamic and competitive landscape.
In the meantime, as I rummage around in the loft looking for more photos and inspiration, I’m looking forward to all the other big family birthday events coming up, recognising the different efforts involved in making them happen, and will enjoy the joy and inspiration they will bring to all involved.
Reflections:
Who brings the Galvanising, Enablement or Tenacity energies to your team?
How much judgement of others is there on your team? Are the Galvanisers judged as ‘spin-merchants’? And the Enablers as ‘people-pleasers’? Are the Tenacity Geniuses appreciated for the contribution they bring, or seen as ‘sticklers’, for example when the quality isn’t quite there towards the end of a project, and the Inventors are already moving on and dreaming up shiny new ideas?
What can you do to help the team appreciate the unique gifts each person brings, and to see the diversity of approach as a strength rather than a frustration?