Your Working Genius Unique Pairing
When I’ve debriefed clients on their Working Genius occasionally some people aren’t quite sure that their two geniuses really are their two geniuses. In the vast majority of those cases, when I take people to their “Unique Pairing” and read the description they almost always say - “yup, that is me” - especially when that debrief is done with a team, and the other members of the team affirm that the Unique Pairing description really captures the strengths of that person.
While understanding each of your two Working Geniuses is important, there is added power in understanding the combination of your geniuses.
How Unique Pairings help increase productivity
Bring further color and depth to your two Working Geniuses.
Describe the kind of work that is most likely to bring you deep joy and fulfillment.
Can help identify what kind of strengths are either needed on a given team, or missing from a given team.
Adds some fun to the Working Genius model as who doesn’t like a superpower description of who they are and what they can bring to their team.
Validates individuals Working Genius results.
Help team members better understand each other.
The Fifteen Unique Pairings
(Source: the Table Group)
The Table Group’s descriptions of each Unique Pairing are as below. Note that the combination of Geniuses are the two letters in the parenthesis. For instance, “The Creative Dreamer” Unique Pairing is the combination of Wonder + Invention, or Invention + Wonder; the order of the Geniuses doesn’t matter, it's just the combination that counts.
The Creative Dreamer (WI | IW): A passionate idealist with an endless stream of big questions and ideas to consider. Comfortable with their head in the clouds.
The Discriminating Ideator (ID | DI): A creative, intuitive, and confident generator of new ideas. Uses instinct and integrative thinking to solve real problems.
The Insightful Collaborator (DE | ED) An intuitive, empathic advisor and team player. Selfless and compassionate in providing others with what they need in the right way.
The Contemplative Counselor (WD | DW): A thoughtful, insightful, and nuanced advisor. Slow to declare certainty but deep in wisdom, intuition, and rationale.
The Evangelizing Innovator (IG | GI): An excitable and convincing generator and promoter of new ideas. Combines curiosity and confidence with infectious enthusiasm.
The Judicious Accomplisher (DT | TD): A reliable, prudent, and focused doer. A unique combination of practical urgency and intuitive judgment.
The Philosophical Motivator (WG | GW): An excitable, curious, and enthusiastic proponent of ideas and people. A unique combination of eagerness and caution.
The Adaptable Designer (IE | EI): A generator of new ideas in response to the needs of others. A unique combination of creativity and flexibility.
The Enthusiastic Encourager (GE | EG): A warm and positive affirmer of others. Quick to support and inspire people who need energy or reassurance.
The Idealistic Supporter (WE | EW): A loyal, modest, and thoughtful contributor. Carefully considers others’ needs and reluctant to demand attention.
The Methodical Architect (IT | TI): A precise, reliable, and planful solver of problems. A unique combination of innovative thinking and practical implementation.
The Assertive Driver (GT | TG): A taskmaster extraordinaire. Willing to push and remind others, and dive in themselves, to ensure that things get done.
The Careful Implementer (WT | TW): A thorough, practical, and careful contributor. A unique combination of steady reliability and quiet depth.
The Intuitive Activator (DG | GD): An instinctive and confident decision-maker. Able to assess situations quickly and accurately, and marshal people to act.
The Loyal Finisher (ET | TE) A responsive, dependable doer. Willing to step up when something is needed and determined to fulfill
My Unique Pairing
If you are wondering, my Unique Paring is “The Judicious Accomplisher”. That’s why I find joy, satisfaction and deep meaning from spending over 120 full day sessions a year working with clients, where I get to work out of my “Discernment” genius by listening, assessing their current reality and providing feedback when appropriate. Additionally, my pragmatic side comes out by working out of my “Tenacity” genius in that I facilitate teams to be crystal clear on their goals, decisions and next steps coming out of their full day planning sessions; I want to see my clients not only realize what’s most important, but to actually fully bring it to life over the coming quarter and year; I want them to check the box “done” on all of the priorities that will move the needle for their business.
To continue learning about Working Genius check out the additional blog posts in this series
The Six Types of Working Genius
The Categories of Working Genius
Your Working Genius Unique Pairing
What Working Genius Reveals about the Stages of Work
When Your Working Genius is Missing or Misused
Working Genius for Leaders
How Working Genius Makes Meetings More Effective
The Picture that Paints a Thousand Words: The Working Genius Team Map
About the Author
Tom Barrett is a Leadership Team Coach based in Nashville, TN. He is a Certified Scaling Up Coach™, Certified Pinnacle Business Guide, & former Certified EOS Implementer™. Additionally, he is a Certified Working Genius Facilitator. Tom guides his clients by continually implementing the tools that they need to get to the next level by drawing from the best tools no matter where they are found.
