At Atelier Maison & Co., we understand the essence of ideal team players.
In “The Ideal Team Player” by Patrick M. Lencioni, the concept of ideal team players possessing three fundamental virtues—Hungry, Humble, and (emotionally) Smart—is introduced. These virtues form the bedrock of effective teamwork, and Lencioni sheds light on the challenges individuals may face without these qualities, emphasizing the risks they pose to teams.
We explore the potential pitfalls in team dynamics when individuals possess two out of three virtues, unveiling personas like the Accidental Mess-Maker, the Skillful Politician, and the Loveable Slacker. Lencioni’s insights offer actions for us as award-winning custom builders to cultivate these virtues and enhance teamwork.
We delve into practical leadership strategies that utilize the three virtues framework in both hiring and continual team development. From innovative hiring approaches that assess candidates holistically to creating individual development plans, discover the tools leaders can employ to ensure their teams embody the essential qualities for unparalleled success.
Our Three Virtues:
- Humble:
Evident through a lack of excessive ego or concerns about status, humility in a team member involves sharing credit, praising others, and prioritizing collective wins over individual achievements. We are self-confident but not arrogant.
- Hungry:
Our intrinsically motivated team members actively pursue responsibilities, think about the team’s next steps, and contribute proactively without constant prompting from managers.
- Smart:
Referring to emotional intelligence and interpersonal awareness, our smart team players ask insightful questions, actively listen, and demonstrate excellent judgement regarding group dynamics.
Leadership Strategies Using this Framework
Hiring the Right People
We shift away from the traditional emphasis on technical skills, adopting a participatory interview style. Utilize top-grading to evaluate candidates holistically against the “Humble,” “Hungry,” and “Smart” criteria. Probe candidates’ past experiences and motivations through reference checks.
Continual Development of Our Team
We recognize that humility, hunger, and smartness can be consciously developed. Regularly evaluate team members against the three virtues, creating individual development plans and implementing performance management follow-up when necessary.
The Ultimate Importance is Unlocking Team Potential
Our exceptional team players are not just a preference; they are a prerequisite for effective teamwork. Solid teamwork fosters trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and a results-focused environment. Individuals embodying humility, hunger, and smartness contribute to the creation of incredibly successful teams. We embrace these virtues to unlock the true potential of our team.