103. Working Genius vs. the Ideal Team Player

Are Working Genius pairings linked with Ideal Team Player virtues? In episode 103 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore why Working Genius types cannot and should not be used to predict the three Ideal Team Player virtues (humble, hungry, and smart). They walk through tempting—but ultimately inaccurate—assumptions people often make when connecting specific geniuses to humility, hunger, or emotional intelligence. By clarifying the proper order of team building—hire for virtues first, then place people according to their geniuses—they’ll help you avoid costly misinterpretations and build healthier teams. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) The Premise * Why Ideal Team Player virtues must come before Working Genius when building a team. (03:20) Exploring the “Smart” Virtue and EQ * WG cannot predict emotional intelligence (EQ). * How each working genius type can be either high or low EQ. (08:23) Tempting but Incorrect Correlations Between Virtues and Genius Types * The common assumptions that “D” = smart, “E” = humble, and “T” = hungry. (15:55) Virtues → Genius → Behaviors * Why Ideal Team Player, Working Genius, and Five Dysfunctions must be applied in order. More info about Pat’s book, The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues: More info about Pat’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable: This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: 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:

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103. Working Genius vs. the Ideal Team Player is an episode from The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni by Patrick Lencioni.

This episode is 18:41 long.

This episode was published on Dec 30, 2025.

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