Work is everywhere all the time!

Let’s be real—It’s not just that 9-to-5 grind.

Whether you’re tackling a big family project, organizing a community event, rolling out a project at work, or just doing dishes, life is packed with tasks that fall under the broad, all-consuming umbrella of “work.”

We spend roughly 40 to 50 hours a week on paid jobs, but add another 15 to 25 hours on household chores, caregiving, and a seemingly endless list of other to-dos! Those are some shocking stats!

The good news? The “Working Genius” model offers a new way to look at all this work. It helps us understand how we get things done, but with a twist—this model is only 20% about personality and a whopping 80% about productivity.

Here’s a look at the six types of work that drive every successful project, job, meeting, or plan, plus some ideas to find more joy in what we do and maybe even avoid a little burnout along the way.

⓵  Wonder: Asking the Big “What Ifs”

Every big, impactful idea started with a moment of Wonder.

People with a “Wonder” genius love asking, “Why are we doing it this way?” and “Is there a better way?” These are the visionaries who often notice problems and gaps in a system that others might miss. In your family or team, they’re the ones constantly looking for a higher purpose or a new way to approach a problem.

Real-life example: Your team’s Wonder genius might be the one who says, “What if we rework our meeting format to make it less boring and more effective?”

Big change often starts with small moments of curiosity.

⓶  Invention: Turning Ideas Into Reality

Once there’s a need identified, an Inventor steps in to create a solution.

These people generate the big ideas and are eager to build something new from scratch. Their brainstorming sessions are electric and full of potential. They’re the “Let’s try it!” folks who don’t just dream about new possibilities; they dive in and start creating.

Real-life example: Think about the person who jumps right in when you mention the need for a new process. The one who says, “I have a vision for this,” and then puts that vision into motion.

⓷  Discernment: Fine-Tuning for Success

Now that there’s an idea on the table, it’s time for Discernment.

This genius knows instinctively which ideas are worth pursuing and which might fall flat. These folks have an uncanny ability to identify what will work and what won’t, and they often ask, “How can we make this even better?” Their role might sound cautious, but it’s absolutely crucial for spotting potential flaws and sharpening ideas into something that can actually succeed.

Real-life example: Your friend who’s always saying, “Let’s not rush. Let’s think this through a bit” before a major purchase or big plan—they’re bringing some Discernment to the table.

⓸  Galvanizing: Rounding Up the Troops

Once an idea has been shaped and approved, the Galvanizer steps in.

This person rallies people together and gets the ball rolling. Galvanizers are natural cheerleaders, who energize everyone to jump on board and make things happen. They thrive on motivating others and hate to see good ideas stall. If you need someone to inspire action, call a Galvanizer.

Real-life example: Ever notice the person at work or in your friend group who can get everyone excited about, well, anything? That’s your Galvanizer, hyping everyone up for everything from group trips to corporate initiatives.

⓹  Enablement: Supporting the Team’s Progress

Next, we have Enablement. Enablers make things easier and are there to assist and support as the team moves toward the finish line.

Their contributions may seem quiet, but without them, projects would stall fast. Enablers are the people who fill in the gaps and get everything lined up for success.

Real-life example: The coworker who jumps in to organize files, clear roadblocks, or double-check details that everyone else misses? That’s your Enabler, holding things together when no one else can.

⓺  Tenacity: The Finishing Touch

Finally, every team needs a Tenacity genius.

These people are all about seeing things through to the end. They won’t stop until every box is checked and the job is done perfectly. They’re relentless and goal-oriented, the kind of people who refuse to leave a task unfinished or a result unachieved.

Real-life example: Tenacious people are the ones you count on to pull off major projects without letting things fall through the cracks. They’re the ones who make sure you don’t just start strong—you finish strong too.

Finding Your Own Geniuses: What Sparks Joy?

Each of us has two of these types of work that truly light us up—our “Geniuses.” These are the tasks we can do all day without feeling drained, where we find real energy and satisfaction. Knowing your own Geniuses is like finding your personal productivity sweet spot. When you focus on your Geniuses, work can become genuinely enjoyable.

If you’re unsure of your own Geniuses, reflect on which activities leave you feeling fulfilled and energized rather than drained. You might find yourself naturally gravitating toward Wonder and Discernment, or maybe Enablement and Tenacity. Whatever they are, they’re your secret weapon for loving what you do.

Accepting Your Working Frustrations

Let’s face it—some kinds of work drain us, no matter how hard we try. It doesn’t mean that we can’t do these tasks or that we aren’t good at them; it simply means they will leave us feeling drained instead of energized. These are our “Working Frustrations.” When you spend too much time in these areas, burnout is pretty much inevitable. But knowing which tasks fall into this zone is empowering because you can start setting limits and asking for help when needed.

Finding Balance with Working Competencies

In between Geniuses and Frustrations are your “Competencies”—the types of work that you can do well but don’t necessarily enjoy. You may find that others will often ask you to take on these tasks, but be cautious. Taking on too many of these can quickly lead to the kind of burnout and frustration you’re trying to avoid.

Why Teams Need All Six Geniuses

In a perfect world, every team would have all six Geniuses covered. When every member plays to their strengths, a team transforms from a group of individuals into a powerhouse of productivity. With the Working Genius model, you can see exactly where you and your team fit, who’s best suited for which tasks, and where you might need additional support.

So next time you find yourself in a team meeting, try looking at it through the Working Genius lens. Instead of a random group of people, you’ll see the Wonderers, Inventors, Discerners, Galvanizers, Enablers, and Tenacious finishers who, when aligned, can achieve remarkable things. And who knows? With a little more self-awareness, you might just find yourself enjoying the work you do—at work and beyond.