Posted on 24th March 2023

Being currently engaged with a new client, one that has fantastic individuals striving to become a great team, I was reminded of a session that I presented a few years ago on the subject of building high performing teams. 

Shamelessly, I took inspiration from a great book (recommended reading) by Patrick Lencioni - The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, a book gifted to me by a fabulous leader, Andy Joeres whilst we worked together a few years ago.

In the business world, success is often associated with the achievements of the best individuals. Companies are known to scout for top performers, high achievers and talented individuals to add to their teams. However, despite the common belief that a collection of the best individuals would make the best team, this is not always the case. In fact, having a group of top performers does not necessarily guarantee a successful team. In this blog, I wanted to discuss some of the reasons that building a great team is much harder than putting a collection of high performing individuals together.

Different Personalities and Work Styles

One of the reasons why a collection of the best individuals may not make the best team is because of differences in personalities and work styles. Each person has their unique way of approaching work, and this can clash with others in the group. For instance, one person may be highly competitive and focused on achieving their goals, while another may be more laid back and prefer to work collaboratively. These differences can create conflict and make it difficult for the team to work together effectively.

Lack of Communication and Coordination

Another reason why a group of top performers may not make the best team is a lack of communication and coordination. Each person may have their individual goals and priorities, making it difficult to align and work together towards a common goal. This can lead to a lack of collaboration, duplication of effort, and confusion within the team. Without clear communication and coordination, the team's productivity and effectiveness will suffer.

Lack of Trust and Respect

Trust and respect are essential components of any successful team. However, when a group of top performers is brought together, they may have a sense of superiority or ego that can create a lack of trust and respect within the team. Each person may be more focused on their individual achievements rather than the team's success, leading to a lack of cooperation and trust. Without trust and respect, team members may not feel comfortable sharing their ideas or giving feedback, which can lead to missed opportunities and suboptimal outcomes.

Lack of Diversity

Finally, a group of top performers may not make the best team due to a lack of diversity. Diversity in terms of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives can bring a wealth of knowledge and ideas to the table, leading to more innovative and creative solutions. A group of top performers may have similar backgrounds and experiences, limiting their ability to think outside the box and explore new ideas.

In conclusion, while top performers may excel individually, they may not necessarily make the best team. Differences in personalities and work styles, lack of communication and coordination, lack of trust and respect, and lack of diversity can all hinder a team's effectiveness. It is important for businesses to recognise that a successful team is not just a collection of individual top performers, but a group of individuals who can work collaboratively towards a common goal. By focusing on building a cohesive team with a diverse set of skills and perspectives, businesses can achieve greater success and drive innovation in the long run.

If you or your organisation are facing the challenge of building an excellent team, get in touch with us at [email protected] and one of our team will be in touch to discuss how we can help.