It’s said that “teamwork makes the dream work,” but a sluggish or dysfunctional team will disprove this statement time and again. So how can you maximize the potential of your team?
According to Jessie M. Rosa, Professional Development Trainer with Troy University’s Continuing Education & Outreach department, the key is gaining a better understanding of each team member and not wasting valuable time or resources doing it. She pointed to the Working Genius Assessment created by The Table Group whose founder is well-known author Patrick Lencioni, author of “The 6 Types of Working Genius,” as an innovative and smart solution.
What is the premise behind Working Genius?
It includes an individual assessment that identifies where people get their energy in work. Individuals can apply it to identify what they enjoy in work through a personality assessment, which makes up about 20 percent of the tool. The other 80 percent identifies how and when you can be more productive within a team. By providing more than just a personality assessment, this tool is unique. Additionally, its simplicity allows teams to walk away with insight and improvements they can implement immediately.
How do you utilize the Working Genius Assessment?
All team members take the 10-15 minute Assessment two weeks prior to a team training session. In those two weeks, I evaluate the Assessment results and create a customized training for the team. You can choose a two- or four-hour time frame for the training session.
How does it help teams?
The Assessment allows you to identify your Working Geniuses, Competencies and Frustrations. The self-awareness you get in identifying what your natural abilities are and aren’t provides you with a baseline of why you are either energized or burned out by specific tasks or projects. It gives your teammates insight into the value each individual brings to a team, while providing team leadership a clearer understanding of when and how to utilize employees’ strengths to enhance the team’s overall productivity.
Does it benefit all types and sizes of business?
Absolutely. Any type or size business can utilize the tool. However, it is meant for teams that work with one another closely. We’ve worked with smaller businesses and larger organizations but broken sessions down into teams that work closely with each other. Any industry, any business specialty, any size organization can benefit from increased productivity, and that is exactly what the Working Genius Assessment tool provides.
What would you say to encourage a local business owner or manager to learn more about the program?
The Working Genius can be summed up in two words: simplicity and productivity. We understand that time is sparse, and the complexities of other assessments and tools take much more time to review, understand and implement. The Working Genius model is easy to understand, and the team session can be executed anywhere in a half workday. When applied, it results in increased productivity.
