The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

89. Understanding vs. Judging: Averting the Fundamental Attribution Error

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Jun 17, 2025

Explore the intriguing dynamics of the Fundamental Attribution Error and how it skews our perceptions of others’ actions. Discover how different Working Genius traits can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace and at home. Patrick and Cody shed light on how Wonderers, Inventors, Discerners, Galvanizers, Enablers, and Tenacious individuals might be misjudged. They emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and constructive feedback to foster collaboration and strengthen relationships.

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INSIGHT

Fundamental Attribution Error Explained

Fundamental attribution error leads to blaming others' character for annoying behavior while excusing ourselves due to environment.
Working Genius reframes annoying behaviors as strengths expressed out of context, reducing judgment and improving relationships.

ADVICE

Prioritize Understanding Over Judgment

Seek to understand others more than to be understood, reducing judgment in relationships.
Greater understanding of people's Working Genius allows for mutual courtesy and better collaboration.

INSIGHT

Wonder Genius Misjudged As Flaw

People with Wonder genius often get misjudged as unfocused, skeptical, or afraid to commit due to their questioning nature.
Their behavior is a natural feature, not a flaw, and contributes valuable exploration and pondering.

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How often do you assume someone’s behavior is a flaw in their character instead of a feature of their genius?

In episode 89 of the Working Genius Podcast, Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson unpack the “Fundamental Attribution Error” and how it damages relationships at work and at home. They explain how people often misjudge each other’s actions as flaws rather than features of their unique Working Genius. By walking through all six Geniuses, the hosts show how greater understanding can lead to less guilt, less judgment, and better collaboration.

Topics explored in this episode:

(0:35) Understanding the Attribution Trap

* The fundamental attribution error leads us to blame others’ character while excusing our own behavior.

* Working Genius helps reframe annoying behaviors as strengths expressed out of context.

(5:35) Wonder and Invention

* Wonderers can be misjudged as unfocused, skeptical, or afraid to commit due to their questioning nature.

* Inventors might be seen as flaky, ego-driven, undisciplined, or impatient due to their constant flow of new ideas.

(12:38) Discernment and Galvanizing

* Discerners are often misjudged as overly judgmental due to their evaluative nature.

* Galvanizers can be perceived as overly enthusiastic, insincere, or bossy.

(21:26) Enablement and Tenacity

* People with enablement might be seen as unwilling to say no or even dishonest due to their eagerness to help and affirm.

* People with tenacity can be unfairly seen as unsympathetic or afraid to fail because of their focus on finishing tasks.

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, and https://x.com/patricklencioni.

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).

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