Cultivating a Stellar Team: The Three Essential Virtues

In a recent coaching session with a real estate agent seeking a new addition to their team, we found ourselves reflecting on the traits that define an excellent team member. It brought to mind Patrick Lencioni’s insightful framework from "The Ideal Team Player," which outlines three essential virtues of an exceptional team member.

The Virtue of Hunger

The first trait we discussed was hunger. This is not about ambition alone; it’s about a deep-rooted drive that propels individuals to seek out new challenges, learning opportunities, and responsibilities. A team member with hunger needs no external push to stay motivated. They naturally possess a diligent work ethic that drives the entire team forward.

The Humility to Serve

Next, we emphasized the virtue of humility. In the context of a team, humility is the ability to stay grounded, recognizing that no one's efforts stand above another's. Humble team members shun the spotlight for personal accolades, focusing instead on the collective achievements of the group. They are the ones who celebrate team wins and understand that success is sweeter when shared.

The Smarts for People

The final trait is being “smart” about people. This isn’t intellectual prowess but an acute sense of people skills. A “smart” team member understands the subtle undercurrents of group dynamics. They are adept at interpersonal communication, making judicious decisions, and navigating the complex web of interactions within the team.

Conclusion

Assembling a team that embodies these three virtues – hunger, humility, and people smarts – is the cornerstone of building a cohesive and successful unit. These traits together create a powerful synergy that can propel any team to achieve more than the sum of its parts.