Most of us have experienced two kinds of work: the kind that energizes us, and the kind that feels exhausting, even when we're perfectly capable of doing it. And when we're faced with working with others' strengths and priorities, things can get complicated fast. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features Paula Horwitz, VP of Event Management, FCCS, and Ryan Gray, Master Facilitator of Working Genius and expert on turning differences into strengths instead of a source of frustration. Ryan will be a Keynote Speaker at the 2026 FCCS Director Leadership Conference. Together, Ryan and Paula discuss harnessing work energy, personalities versus productivity, and what it takes to lead a thriving, successful team.
Episode Insights Include:
Common talented team struggles
Super talent can be confused with efficient teamwork.
An overemphasis on team weaknesses prevent teams from working together as efficiently as possible
Often, teams focus on labels that highlight flaws instead of features, such as 'overworked' instead of productive'.
Why do leaders overlook the draining aspects of work?
Capability and desire are two different things- just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they want to do it all day long.
Working competencies are the work that we do well, whether or not we love it.
Working frustrations have the tendency to drain us more rapidly.
Leaders tend to assume that everyone is happiest when they are simply doing the things they love, rather than doing the things that provide opportunities for growth.
What makes people productive?
Consider whether the right people are doing the right work at the right stages of the work process.
Productivity starts when leaders stop expecting everyone to be good at everything
Each team member should be assigned to best-fit work for increased energy and fulfillment.
Navigating team member differences
Every team member brings their own preferences and personalities.
Leaders who are creative in their feedback verses those who are critical will see very different results in the satisfaction and productivity of their team.
Differences can be utilized in effective ways once they are positively identified.
Signs for leaders to look for
Pay attention to energy just as much as performance.
Nonverbal cues can offer insights into whether the work is the right fit.
Watch for clues of burnout in team members.
What changes when key contributions are identified?
Increased self-awareness is present and lends itself to improved teamwork.
Better questions are easier to ask when strengths are identified.
A visual representation of team dynamics can help identify strengths and areas for change.
Team dynamics can be tweaked and improved with Ryan's advice.
AH-HA moments come as productivity tools and assessments are utilized.
This podcast is powered by FCCS.
Resources
Connect with Ryan Gray
Get in touch – info@fccsconsulting.com
"Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you should spend your entire working life doing it." — Ryan Gray
"Capability doesn't always equate to true joy, energy, and fulfillment." — Ryan Gray
"Productivity starts when leaders stop expecting everyone to be good at everything." — Ryan Gray
"The Working Genius focuses on productivity over personality through a lens of joy and fulfillment." — Ryan Gray
"Leaders: get relentlessly curious about yourself and about the people you lead." — Ryan Gray
