On Oct. 3, 2024, over 100 students from area schools gathered at the York County Libraries’ 18th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit. During two sessions, many of them took a deep dive into discovering the Working Genius model with CBY Professional Services Chief Growth Officer Susan Davis.
Working Genius is an insightful framework that helps individuals identify their unique productivity styles, or geniuses. The six geniuses are Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. They highlight how individuals approach work and problem-solving, providing students with a language to articulate their strengths and the types of work that bring them joy and fulfillment.
“I walked them through the six zones of genius and talked to them about how it would impact the courses they select, the teachers or colleges they might pick, or how they do their homework,” Davis says.
An avenue for understanding
Unlike many assessments that focus solely on personality, Working Genius evaluates personality at 20 percent and productivity at 80 percent, offering an approach that connects self-awareness with a collaborative mindset and practical skills for productivity.
Working Genius Student Assessment helps students not only to uncover their unique strengths but to alleviate unnecessary guilt tied to not working in ways others might expect of them. The understanding gained through the assessment can help improve how students collaborate in teams and learn at home and in the classroom.
Davis saw those “aha!” moments repeatedly while working with students at the Youth Empowerment Summit. In one instance, a student came to a sudden realization as to why she and her mother often disagree about how tasks should be accomplished. With her newfound knowledge, the student gained a deeper understanding of their relationship and how to communicate better.
“I wish I had known this back when I was a teenager,” Davis says, “to know how to interact differently with my siblings, my parents, my coaches, my teammates. It takes away that judgment of others.”
Build a more dynamic, motivated, and successful team
Removing guilt, fostering understanding
Unlike the original version designed for professionals, Working Genius Student Assessment adapts its language and applications to the lives of young people. The assessment targets those aged 13 to 18, making it ideal for high school students.
“It’s the same six geniuses, but the focus shifts to how students can apply them in scenarios like team assignments, doing homework, or managing peer pressure,” Davis says. “The goal is to remove guilt for not being good at something and foster understanding when working with others who have different strengths.”
Davis sees immense potential for this tool in schools, beginning with training teachers and faculty members. If teachers understand the geniuses of their students, they can tailor their teaching styles accordingly. This awareness can lead to a significant shift in classroom dynamics, Davis says.
Find what brings joy and fulfillment
The Working Genius framework also can help students make college and career decisions. Understanding what type of work energizes them can guide students toward paths that align with their strengths and passions.
“The big thing is joy and fulfillment,” Davis says. “You might be skilled in a certain genius area, but that doesn’t mean it brings you joy. The most important thing is finding what brings you joy and fulfillment.”
Davis is eager to bring the newly launched student version of Working Genius to more schools. The benefits of understanding these concepts early are invaluable as students learn to unlock their full potential and collaborate more effectively with their peers.
For more information about bringing Working Genius Student to your school and empowering young people with self-awareness, confidence, and collaboration skills that will last a lifetime, contact Davis at sdavis@cby.com.
