110. In the Grip

About this episode

In this episode, the hosts discuss how each Working Genius type behaves under stress and provide a framework for understanding these changes.

What does your Working Genius look like when you're under stress, and would you even recognize it in yourself? In episode 110 of the Working Genius Podcast, Pat Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and Matt Lencioni explore what happens to each of the six Working Genius types when they're under stress, a state they call being "in the grip." Walking through Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity letter by letter, the team uncovers how each type's greatest strengths can become their most challenging behaviors when unregulated. The conversation closes with a practical and compassionate framework for extending grace to teammates in the grip, recognizing that what looks like a flaw may simply be a strength operating under too much pressure. Topics explored in this episode: (00:00:03) Wonder in the Grip Pat, Cody, and Matt introduce "in the grip,” what each Working Genius type looks like when strengths become distorted under stress. The team explores the Wonder type, revealing how natural curiosity can spiral into analysis paralysis, endless questioning, and loss of direction. (00:05:15) ADHD, Procrastination, and Invention in the Grip Pat connects Wonder under…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Lencioni

Guests: Cody Thompson, Matt Lencioni

Topics covered

• Working Genius
• stress
• team dynamics
• behavior under pressure
• strengths and challenges
• grace in teamwork

Keywords

• Working Genius
• stress behavior
• teamwork
• strengths
• challenges
• grace
• Wonder
• Invention
• Discernment
• Galvanizing

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
• 109. Your Company’s Genius featuring Matthew Lencioni · March 24, 2026 · 29 min
• 108. Feedback vs. Criticism · March 10, 2026 · 19 min