The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

90. Uppercase vs. Lowercase Genius

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Jul 1, 2025

Explore how understanding the difference between uppercase and lowercase genius can boost your contributions at work. The hosts delve into applying your strengths in diverse contexts, enhancing team dynamics through self-awareness. They discuss maintaining focus on collective goals and the balance of contributions within teams. Discover how everyday tasks can inspire creativity and joy in your work, leading to more fulfilling collaborations. A shared language around these concepts fosters trust and intentional teamwork.

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INSIGHT

Uppercase vs. Lowercase Genius

Each Working Genius can be applied as uppercase (primary, focused on their phase) or lowercase (supportive, context-specific).
Lowercase use keeps contributions valuable without disrupting the current phase of work.

ADVICE

Apply Genius in Context

When contributing as lowercase genius, focus your ideas on improving the current stage rather than redoing the whole project.
Regulate your input to be helpful and in service of the ongoing work, not disruptive.

ANECDOTE

Matt's Course Correction Anecdote

Matt applies his WD genius as lowercase, making 'course corrections' rather than disrupting meetings.
This intentional self-regulation helps keep meetings focused and productive.

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How can recognizing the “lowercase” application of your Working Genius improve your contributions to projects and increase your job fulfillment?

In episode 90 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore the distinction between “uppercase” and “lowercase” expressions of the six Working Geniuses. Joined by Matt Lencioni, they unpack how to apply your genius even when it's not the dominant need in a situation.

Topics explored in this episode:

(0:53) Introducing Uppercase and Lowercase Genius

* Using your genius in its "uppercase" glory or a "lowercase" supportive capacity.

(4:34) Applying Genius in Different Contexts

* Examples of uppercase geniuses, like a "Wonder" (W) initiating a new project or an "Inventor" (I) developing a new product.

* How lowercase W or I contributes to a launch meeting by wondering and inventing within the launch's context.

(8:16) Self-Regulation and Team Trust

* The difference between unhelpfully disruptive uppercase contributions and service-oriented lowercase ones.

(12:55) Shared Language

* Applying lowercase genius to prevent individuals from dominating.

* How Working Genius provides a shared language for feedback, fostering trust.

* Knowing one another's working geniuses allows for intentional delegation and contribution, leading to greater joy and fulfillment.

A note for new listeners/viewers: In this episode, Pat and Cody dive deep into the Six Types of Working Genius, a model that helps you discover your natural gifts and thrive in your work and life. If you’re new to our framework, perhaps consider checking out some earlier episodes of The Working Genius Podcast. Or, if you’re interested, you can take The Six Types of Working Genius assessment, which is the fastest and simplest way to discover your natural gifts and thrive at work: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment

Refresher: The initials discussed in this episode refer to:

W = Wonder.

I = Invention.

D = Discernment.

G = Galvanizing.

E = Enablement.

T = Tenacity.

This episode of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni is brought to you by The Table Group: https://www.tablegroup.com. 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: https://www.workinggenius.com/about/assessment

Subscribe to The Working Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4iNz6Yn), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4iGGm8u), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/Working-Genius-YouTube).

Follow Pat Lencioni on https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth and http://www.youtube.com/@PatrickLencioniOfficial.

Connect with Cody Thompson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-thompson-a5918850.

Be sure to check out our other podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni, on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4hJKKSL), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4l1aop0), and YouTube (https://bit.ly/At-The-Table-YouTube).

Let us know your feedback via podcast@tablegroup.com.

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co.