Team building is a mysterious and powerful business tool that business leaders want to understand.
The recently published study by Insead takes an in-depth look at "Team Interdependence Determines When More Talent is Too Much Versus Not Enough.
" The study which was published by Columbia School of Business, reveals so interesting insight into talent scouting and what companies should really be looking for in new employees.
The study revolves around the phenomenon that many companies are beginning to see which has been coined, "Too Much Talent Effect.
" The name itself sounds like an oxymoron, but there is actually some scientific proof to back up the theory that hiring individuals who are too talented may work against your team rather than fort it.
The studies were conducted using the sports of basketball, football and baseball.
Basketball and football are both interdependent games in which the team's success is determined by the team work all of the players show.
Baseball, however, is a game which can be won solely on individual merit, although team work does play in often, the critical moments are all on the shoulders of each batter at his swing and each outfielder waiting for a catch.
It may seem strange that a study hoping to unravel the mysterious of business team building would use sports, but like in many instances sports emulates life.
What the studies discovered is that when team interdependence is necessary it becomes very hard for super talented individuals to be team players.
The ego associated with extreme levels of talent overrides the impulse to "play nice.
" The general outcome is that once an above average talented team member is added, the overall success of the team does escalate for a while.
During the period the other team member, obviously awed and a little intimidated by the new talent, lay low and let the talent have their way.
But this only lasts for so long and eventually the group succumbs to petty resentment and competition.
There will be a peak and then a dissent as the team loses its toleration for each other.
The balance seems to be struck when interdependence is not a critical element of the team's performance.
When members can work somewhat independently and still succeed, then there can be a great boost to overall performance.
However, when interdependence is crucial, the most effective method seems to be to hire members which are on a common playing field and then to invest time and resources rather into developing them as a team.
It may be very tempting to hire a shooting star, but these individual's and their contribution to interdependent team efforts seem to burn out far more quickly than less talented individuals who are willing to develop team building skills.
The recently published study by Insead takes an in-depth look at "Team Interdependence Determines When More Talent is Too Much Versus Not Enough.
" The study which was published by Columbia School of Business, reveals so interesting insight into talent scouting and what companies should really be looking for in new employees.
The study revolves around the phenomenon that many companies are beginning to see which has been coined, "Too Much Talent Effect.
" The name itself sounds like an oxymoron, but there is actually some scientific proof to back up the theory that hiring individuals who are too talented may work against your team rather than fort it.
The studies were conducted using the sports of basketball, football and baseball.
Basketball and football are both interdependent games in which the team's success is determined by the team work all of the players show.
Baseball, however, is a game which can be won solely on individual merit, although team work does play in often, the critical moments are all on the shoulders of each batter at his swing and each outfielder waiting for a catch.
It may seem strange that a study hoping to unravel the mysterious of business team building would use sports, but like in many instances sports emulates life.
What the studies discovered is that when team interdependence is necessary it becomes very hard for super talented individuals to be team players.
The ego associated with extreme levels of talent overrides the impulse to "play nice.
" The general outcome is that once an above average talented team member is added, the overall success of the team does escalate for a while.
During the period the other team member, obviously awed and a little intimidated by the new talent, lay low and let the talent have their way.
But this only lasts for so long and eventually the group succumbs to petty resentment and competition.
There will be a peak and then a dissent as the team loses its toleration for each other.
The balance seems to be struck when interdependence is not a critical element of the team's performance.
When members can work somewhat independently and still succeed, then there can be a great boost to overall performance.
However, when interdependence is crucial, the most effective method seems to be to hire members which are on a common playing field and then to invest time and resources rather into developing them as a team.
It may be very tempting to hire a shooting star, but these individual's and their contribution to interdependent team efforts seem to burn out far more quickly than less talented individuals who are willing to develop team building skills.