What energises someone with Invention?

People with Invention often come alive when they have the opportunity to:

• Brainstorm new ideas.

• Solve complex problems creatively.

• Imagine future possibilities.

• Design new approaches.

• Improve existing systems.

• Think outside the box.

• Explore innovative solutions.

• Create something from nothing.

They often experience their greatest energy during the early stages of a project, when imagination is unrestricted and almost anything feels possible.

Their unique contribution

Invention creates possibility.

While others may focus on maintaining what already exists, people with Invention naturally see what could be.

They generate fresh thinking that helps organisations adapt, innovate and grow.

Their ideas often inspire others to see opportunities they hadn't previously considered.

Sometimes a single creative insight changes the direction of an entire team.

Without Invention, organisations risk becoming stagnant, repeating familiar patterns instead of responding creatively to new challenges.

Common strengths

People with Invention often bring:

✔ Creativity

✔ Innovation

✔ Imagination

✔ Original thinking

✔ Problem-solving

✔ Adaptability

✔ Curiosity

✔ Resourcefulness

✔ Vision for new possibilities

✔ The ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas

Their creativity often helps teams move beyond obstacles that once seemed impossible to solve.

Common challenges

Like every Working Genius, Invention has its shadow side.

People with Invention may:

• Generate more ideas than can realistically be implemented.

• Lose interest once the excitement of creating has passed.

• Become frustrated by routine or repetitive work.

• Feel constrained by policies or established systems.

• Become discouraged when others resist change.

• Jump to solutions before fully understanding the problem.

• Find it difficult to prioritise their best ideas.

Sometimes people around them become overwhelmed—not because the ideas are poor, but because there are simply so many of them.

Learning that not every idea needs to be shared immediately is often an important part of their growth.

How Invention shows up in leadership

Leaders with Invention often create cultures where innovation is welcomed.

They encourage experimentation.

They enjoy solving difficult problems.

They help teams imagine possibilities that once seemed out of reach.

People often leave conversations with them feeling inspired by what might be possible.

However, healthy leadership also requires recognising that not every new idea is the right idea.

The most effective leaders with Invention learn to value reflection, discernment and collaboration just as much as creativity.

They understand that their greatest ideas often become even stronger when shaped by others.

How Invention shows up in relationships

Professionally, people with Invention are often recognised as creative thinkers.

They're the colleagues who naturally generate ideas during planning meetings and enjoy exploring different ways of approaching challenges.

Personally, they often bring energy, humour and imagination into relationships.

They enjoy dreaming about future possibilities, planning adventures and exploring new interests.

Yet those closest to them may sometimes feel that conversations jump rapidly from one idea to another or that unfinished projects accumulate over time.

Learning to balance creativity with consistency helps strengthen both personal and professional relationships.

How others may perceive them

People with Invention are often seen as:

• Creative

• Innovative

• Visionary

• Imaginative

• Resourceful

• Enthusiastic

• Curious

• Inspiring

However, they may also be perceived as:

• Easily distracted.

• Always chasing the next idea.

• Unrealistic.

• Forgetful of details.

• Resistant to routine.

• Leaving projects unfinished.

Recognising these perceptions helps people with Invention communicate more effectively and appreciate the strengths that others bring to the team.

Who do they most need on their team?

Invention flourishes alongside several other Working Geniuses.

Discernment (D)

Discernment helps evaluate which ideas have the greatest potential.

Together they balance creativity with wisdom.

Galvanising (G)

Galvanising builds enthusiasm around the ideas Invention creates.

Together they help organisations move from imagination to momentum.

Tenacity (T)

Tenacity ensures great ideas don't remain unfinished.

Where Invention starts possibilities, Tenacity faithfully brings them to completion.

Together they create lasting impact.

Reflective questions

If Invention is one of your Working Geniuses, consider reflecting on questions such as:

• What kinds of problems naturally spark my creativity?

• Which of my ideas have had the greatest impact on others?

• Do I allow enough time for my ideas to be refined?

• How do I respond when people challenge my thinking?

• What unfinished projects continue to capture my attention?

• Who helps me distinguish between a good idea and the right idea?

• What would it look like to steward my creativity more intentionally?

Invention in ministry and Christian leadership

Churches and Christian organisations need leaders with Invention.

These are often the people who imagine new ministry opportunities, develop creative ways of engaging communities and find fresh approaches to long-standing challenges.

They remind organisations that faithfulness doesn't require doing everything the way it has always been done.

Yet healthy innovation is never innovation for its own sake.

The most effective ministry leaders with Invention remain deeply connected to the mission of the gospel, ensuring that creativity serves people rather than simply satisfying the desire for something new.

Innovation becomes most powerful when it grows from wisdom, collaboration and a genuine desire to help others flourish.

My own Reflection

One of the things I've noticed in supervision is that leaders with the Genius of Invention often feel misunderstood.

Their minds move quickly. They naturally see possibilities and connections that others don't immediately recognise.

Yet over time, they can become discouraged if their ideas are consistently met with hesitation or caution. Some begin questioning whether they're "too much" or whether they should stop sharing their creativity altogether.

One of the gifts of supervision is helping leaders rediscover confidence in their imagination while also learning how to steward it wisely. Great ideas rarely flourish in isolation. They become stronger through conversation, discernment and the contribution of others.

What I've noticed in supervision...

Many people with Invention underestimate just how unusual their way of thinking is.

To them, generating ideas feels completely normal.

They assume everyone constantly notices new possibilities.

Over time, they begin to realise that what feels ordinary to them is actually one of their greatest contributions.

I've also noticed that some of the healthiest leaders with Invention learn to slow down just enough to invite others into their thinking. Rather than feeling responsible for producing every solution, they become curious about how their creativity can combine with the wisdom, encouragement and practical strengths of those around them.

Ironically, collaboration doesn't diminish their creativity—it almost always makes it better.

Questions for Supervisors and Coaches

If you're supporting someone with the Genius of Invention through professional supervision or coaching, these questions may help deepen reflection.

Identity and leadership

• When do you feel most alive and creative in your work?

• How has your imagination shaped your leadership over the years?

• What kinds of problems naturally energise you?

• How much of your identity is connected to being the person with new ideas?

Relationships and influence

• How do people typically respond to your creativity?

• When have your ideas been received particularly well?

• What helps you remain open when others question or refine your thinking?

• Who provides the wisdom and accountability that strengthens your ideas?

Sustainability and wellbeing

• What environments help your creativity flourish?

• How do you care for yourself when your ideas are repeatedly rejected?

• How do you know when it's time to stop generating options and commit to one direction?

• What rhythms help you balance imagination with rest?

Team dynamics

• Which Working Geniuses naturally complement your strengths?

• Who helps you evaluate your ideas before sharing them more broadly?

• Who helps transform your ideas into practical action?

• How do you create space for others to contribute rather than feeling responsible for every innovation?

Growing in self-awareness

• What would it look like to steward your creativity more intentionally?

• Where might God be inviting you to trust others with your ideas?

• How can your imagination continue serving the mission rather than simply pursuing novelty?

• What does creative, sustainable leadership look like in this season of your life?