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The Language That Transforms Teams

How Shared Vocabulary Creates Clarity and Connection


Have you ever been in a meeting where everyone seemed to be speaking a different language?


You’re all talking about the same project, but somehow… not really. Misunderstandings pile up, progress slows down, and what could have been a five-minute conversation turns into a full-blown meeting marathon.


🎧 That’s where the Working Genius model comes in.


Illustrated icons or a clean graphic showing words "Team", "Roles" and "Plans"

In this episode of the Business Building Blocks Podcast, Kristina Schmitt sits down with Karyn Macfarlane, Certified Coach and Working Genius Facilitator, to uncover how six simple words can transform the way teams work, talk, and thrive together.


The Power of Shared Language

“The naming, the language of the Working Genius — that whole vocabulary of six words — that can be nouns, adjectives, or verbs,” Karyn shares.
shared language, communication icons, team language, leadership vocabulary, collaboration symbols

“When your team has that shared vocabulary, it makes a world of difference.”

Think about it: a shared understanding doesn’t just make communication easier — it eliminates wasted effort.


In one moment, someone might say,


“Oh, I’m not galvanizing you right now, I’m just inventing.”

And suddenly, what could’ve been a misunderstanding turns into alignment.

It’s not personal; it’s about clarity.


That’s the beauty of the Working Genius framework — it gives teams a common language to describe how they work best, where they thrive, and where they might struggle.


Breaking Down Misunderstandings in Seconds



workplace misunderstanding, team conflict resolution,

When a team learns the Working Genius vocabulary, conversations that once required long explanations now take seconds.


Instead of feeling frustrated or unheard, people begin to recognize why something isn’t clicking. It’s no longer about capability — it’s about energy zones.



clarity at work, collaboration improvement

And when leaders and teams begin to speak this language fluently, they experience what every organization craves:

💬 Fewer conflicts

⚡ More productivity

❤️ Stronger trust





Beyond Labels — Toward Understanding


leadership coaching, mentor conversation, empathetic leadership, workplace coaching

Karyn reminds us that Working Genius isn’t just another personality test or team assessment.

It’s a tool for empathy, clarity, and purposeful action.


When you know your geniuses — and your frustrations — you stop judging yourself and others for how you naturally work.

You begin to build teams that complement, not compete.


The Freedom of Clarity


productive workspace, work clarity, calm productivity, leadership mindset

This conversation isn’t just about improving communication — it’s about giving people permission to work in their zone of genius and release the guilt that comes with what drains them.


Karyn and Kristina explore how reframing work through this lens helps leaders and teams find more joy, purpose, and impact in what they do.


🎧 Watch or Listen to the Full Episode


Podcast setup, laptop, mic and table

If you’ve ever wondered why great people sometimes struggle to work well together — this episode is for you.


You’ll walk away with practical tools and powerful language to help your team thrive.





Karyn Macfarlane is a certified coach and Working Genius facilitator who helps individuals, teams, and high-performing families thrive with intention and grace.

Want to go deeper into understanding your Working Genius, build healthier team dynamics, or bring more clarity and fulfillment into your work and life?

🌿 Connect with Karyn:

If this episode resonated with you, reaching out to Karyn is a powerful next step.

© 2026 Kristina Schmitt Development. All Rights Reserved.

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