103. Working Genius vs. the Ideal Team Player

About this episode

In this episode, Pat and Cody discuss the relationship between Working Genius types and the virtues of an Ideal Team Player, emphasizing the importance of hiring for virtues first.

Are Working Genius pairings linked with Ideal Team Player virtues? In episode 103 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat and Cody explore why Working Genius types cannot and should not be used to predict the three Ideal Team Player virtues (humble, hungry, and smart). They walk through tempting—but ultimately inaccurate—assumptions people often make when connecting specific geniuses to humility, hunger, or emotional intelligence. By clarifying the proper order of team building—hire for virtues first, then place people according to their geniuses—they’ll help you avoid costly misinterpretations and build healthier teams. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00) The Premise * Why Ideal Team Player virtues must come before Working Genius when building a team. (03:20) Exploring the “Smart” Virtue and EQ * WG cannot predict emotional intelligence (EQ). * How each working genius type can be either high or low EQ. (08:23) Tempting but Incorrect Correlations Between Virtues and Genius Types * The common assumptions that “D” = smart, “E” = humble, and “T” = hungry. (15:55) Virtues → Genius → Behaviors * Why Ideal Team Player, Working Genius, and Five Dysfunctions must be applied in order…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Lencioni

Guest: Cody

Topics covered

• Working Genius
• Ideal Team Player
• team building
• emotional intelligence
• team dynamics

Keywords

• Working Genius
• Ideal Team Player
• humble
• hungry
• smart
• emotional intelligence
• team building

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

More episodes of The Working Genius Podcast with Patrick Lencioni

• 114. C X O · June 2, 2026 · 22 min
• 113. Ask For Help · May 19, 2026 · 20 min
• 112. Working Genius Is FUN · May 5, 2026 · 28 min
• 111. Working Genius and Blind Spots · April 21, 2026 · 22 min
• 110. In the Grip · April 7, 2026 · 26 min
• 109. Your Company’s Genius featuring Matthew Lencioni · March 24, 2026 · 29 min