While our instincts are to hire the best and brightest — believing their combined strengths will guarantee success — research proves us wrong. The reality is that a team is the sum of its parts. The best teams aren't made up of the best individuals. Instead, they consist of people who bring a diverse blend of skills, mindsets, and attitudes that not only complement each other, but enable each other to grow.
When teamwork matters, a group of high-achievers will underperform a more collaborative team, as star performers will over-focus on their own success metrics. This will lead to competition rather than collaboration as high-performing individuals find it challenging to subordinate personal achievements for collective goals.
The paradox here is that those who excel individually often lack the collaborative mindset required to help a team thrive.
When hiring (and promoting), jobs skills are not everything. A growth mindset, humility, and emotional intelligence are equally essential. Team members who support each other foster a culture of trust and psychological safety, which studies show are foundational to team success. The presence of these qualities in individuals, rather than technical superiority, paves the way for effective teams.
