Identify your two working geniuses
Name the two of the six activities that consistently energize you, not just where you perform well.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Name the two of the six activities that consistently energize you, not just where you perform well.
- Why it works: Performance and energy are not the same thing. Someone can be competent at an activity while it depletes them — a "working competency." Geniuses are activities that feel effortless and generate intrinsic energy; relying on them rather than mere competencies preserves motivational resources over the long run. Self-awareness about the distinction prevents chronic energy drain masquerading as capability.
- Evidence: Practitioner experience / self-report; no formal study.
- Avoid: Confusing where you’re experienced with where you’re energized — picking a genius based on your job title rather than on what actually charges you.
Why it works
Performance and energy are not the same thing. Someone can be competent at an activity while it depletes them — a "working competency." Geniuses are activities that feel effortless and generate intrinsic energy; relying on them rather than mere competencies preserves motivational resources over the long run. Self-awareness about the distinction prevents chronic energy drain masquerading as capability.
How to do it
- 1Review the six types: Wonder (asking why), Invention (creating novel solutions), Discernment (evaluating ideas), Galvanizing (rallying people), Enablement (supporting others), Tenacity (finishing).
- 2Recall three recent projects — note which phase you found yourself leaning into versus avoiding.
- 3Pick the two activities that, when you do them, time passes fast and you want to do more. That is your genius, not just your competency.
What the evidence says
AnecdotalThe Working Genius model is a practitioner-developed typology, not a psychometrically validated instrument. Its closest research cousin is the job demands–resources model, which shows that using personal strengths reduces depletion and sustains engagement over time.
Honest caveat: The six-type taxonomy has not been validated in peer-reviewed research. Use it as a conversation tool, not a fixed personality label.
Common mistake
Confusing where you’re experienced with where you’re energized — picking a genius based on your job title rather than on what actually charges you.
IX Coach walks you through the six types with reflective questions about energy, not just task performance, so your self-assessment is based on real felt experience.
Practice this with IX Coach →